TURNBERRY, SCOTLAND – While the White House remains the official seat of power, for Donald Trump, the real business this week appears to be happening on the windswept greens of his luxury golf resort in Scotland. In a move sparking intense debate, the former president has embarked on a high-profile international getaway, centered almost entirely around his passion for golf, a stark contrast to his own past criticisms of presidential downtime.

A Tradition of Presidential Retreats

Of course, presidents taking a break from the pressures of Washington is a time-honored tradition. Abraham Lincoln sought refuge just miles from the White House at a quiet cottage, while Ronald Reagan famously found clarity at his California ranch. These escapes were often framed as humble, necessary respites from the world's most demanding job.

However, Trump's journey to the sprawling, opulent Trump Turnberry resort on the Scottish coast represents a significant departure. This isn't a simple domestic retreat; it's an international trip to a privately-owned commercial property bearing his name, blurring the lines between presidential leisure and personal brand promotion.

A Change of Tune on the Fairway

What's raising eyebrows across the political spectrum is the apparent hypocrisy. During his campaigns and presidency, Trump frequently lambasted his predecessors, particularly Barack Obama, for taking vacations and playing golf. He famously pledged he would rarely leave the White House, telling supporters, "I would not be a president who took vacations. I would not be a president that takes time off."

Critics are now pointing to those very statements as images circulate of Trump, club in hand, enjoying the lush fairways of his course, as seen on Sunday, July 27, 2025. The trip, which is heavily focused on leisure, seems to directly contradict the work-ethic image he so carefully cultivated.

Business, Pleasure, or Both?

While supporters argue that any president deserves a break and that Trump can work from anywhere, the optics of this Scottish golf-centric trip are undeniable. It presents a picture of luxury and leisure that stands in sharp opposition to his previous rhetoric.

As the former president lines up his next putt against the dramatic backdrop of the Scottish coastline, the question lingers for many: Is this a well-earned rest for a public figure, or a glaring example of a political double standard? The verdict is being hotly debated online, but on the greens of Turnberry, the only score that seems to matter is the one on the card.