President Donald Trump arrived in Scotland on Friday and immediately took aim at European leaders over what he described as a “horrible invasion” of illegal immigration, warning that unchecked migration is “killing” the continent.
Speaking to reporters after landing at Glasgow Prestwick Airport, Trump contrasted his own administration’s success in securing the U.S.-Mexico border with the ongoing struggles in Europe and the United Kingdom.
“On immigration, you better get your act together or you’re not going to have Europe anymore,” Trump said. “Last month, we had nobody entering our country. Shut it down. And we took out a lot of bad people who got in under Biden.”
The trip marks Trump’s first to the U.K. since returning to office, and includes stops at his golf resorts in Turnberry and Aberdeen, as well as meetings with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Scottish First Minister John Swinney. He is also expected to advance trade talks under the newly announced “Economic Prosperity Deal,” which slashes tariffs and strengthens U.S.-U.K. economic ties.
During his remarks, Trump blasted the Biden administration for record levels of border crossings, noting that December 2023 saw nearly 250,000 apprehensions. “Biden was a total stiff,” Trump said. “What he allowed to happen was disgraceful.”
Turning back to Europe, Trump praised certain unnamed European leaders for resisting mass migration, singling out their strength while refusing to “embarrass” others. “Immigration is killing Europe,” he warned, pointing to the surge in illegal crossings from France to the U.K. via small boats.
More than 22,000 migrants have reached British shores so far in 2025—up 57% from the same time last year. Though net migration to the U.K. dropped to 431,000 last year—a nearly 50% decrease—illegal crossings remain a major political flashpoint.
Hungary and Poland, both governed by conservative leaders, have taken some of the continent’s hardest stances against illegal migration. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a vocal ally of President Trump, has led the charge.
Trump also revealed plans to meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to push for a major transatlantic trade agreement. “That would be the biggest deal of them all if we make it,” he said. “We’re going to try.”
Before departing, Trump praised Starmer for securing the U.K. trade deal after years of stalled negotiations. “He’s slightly more liberal than I am, as you’ve probably heard,” Trump quipped. “But he’s a good man, and he got a trade deal done. It’s a good deal for the U.K.”
Trump’s five-day visit blends politics, diplomacy, and business, but his message on immigration was unmistakably forceful: Europe must act—or risk losing itself.
