Fact check: What business dealings did Trump have in Scotland prior to his presidency?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, Donald Trump had significant business dealings in Scotland prior to his presidency, primarily focused on golf course development and real estate investments. The sources consistently identify two major properties:

• Trump Turnberry - A golf resort located in Ayrshire ^[1]
• Trump International Scotland - Located in Aberdeenshire, specifically in Balmedie ^{[1] [2]}

The Aberdeenshire property involved substantial development plans, with Trump promising to invest $1.5 billion and create jobs ^[2]. The development included plans for multiple golf courses, with sources indicating Trump was working on opening a second 18-hole golf course at the Aberdeenshire location ^{[1] [3]}. Additionally, Trump expressed interest in hosting the British Open golf tournament at Turnberry ^[3].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The analyses reveal several important contextual elements that provide a more complete picture of Trump's Scottish business dealings:

• Unfulfilled promises and local controversy: The investment promises made for the Aberdeenshire property "have not materialized" and there was "controversy surrounding his treatment of local residents" ^[2]. This suggests the developments faced significant opposition and failed to deliver on initial commitments.
• Legal battles: The Balmedie golf course development "sparked legal battles" ^[4], indicating the projects were contentious and faced regulatory or community challenges.
• Ongoing business interests: The sources suggest these weren't just one-time investments but represented ongoing business interests that continued into his presidency ^[5], raising questions about potential conflicts of interest.

Local communities and environmental groups would benefit from highlighting the negative impacts and unfulfilled promises, while Trump and his business organization would benefit from emphasizing the tourism and economic potential of these developments.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question itself appears neutral and factual, simply asking about Trump's business dealings in Scotland prior to his presidency. However, the question's framing could potentially omit the controversial nature of these business dealings.

The analyses suggest that a complete answer should include not just the existence of these business ventures, but also:

• The significant local opposition and legal challenges they generated ^{[4] [2]}
• The gap between promised investments and actual delivery ^[2]
• The impact on local residents who were affected by the developments ^[2]

Media outlets covering Trump's business dealings would benefit from either emphasizing or downplaying these controversies depending on their editorial stance, while Trump's organization would benefit from focusing solely on the business achievements and economic potential rather than the conflicts and unfulfilled promises.