US President Donald Trump once suggested his golf course in Scotland “furthers” the US-UK relationship.

Now he’s getting the chance to prove it.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited a golf course owned by Trump’s family near Turnberry in south-western Scotland on Monday for discussions. Starmer and his wife, Victoria, spent some time conversing on the steps with Trump, who enthusiastically highlighted features of the property.

The president has long criticized the substantial US trade deficits worldwide, viewing tariffs as a quick solution. However, last year the US enjoyed an $11.4 billion trade surplus with Britain, exporting more to the UK than it imported. Current Census Bureau data suggests this surplus is set to increase.

Nevertheless, US-Britain trade relations still require some adjustments. According to a May deal, British steel was supposed to enter the US without duties, yet a 25 percent tariff remains in place.

UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said Monday that “negotiations have been going on on a daily basis” and “there’s a few issues to push a little bit further today”, though he downplayed expectations of a resolution.

Upon going into the meeting, Trump said “we’re in great shape” and called the US-UK relationship “unparallelled”.

The leader of Scotland, meanwhile, said he will urge Trump to lift the current 10 per cent tariff on Scotch whisky. First Minister John Swinney said the spirit’s “uniqueness” justified an exemption.

Even as some trade details linger and both leaders grapple with increasingly difficult choices in Gaza and Ukraine, however, Starmer’s staying on Trump’s good side appears to be working — at least so far.

“The UK is very well-protected. You know why? Because I like them — that’s their ultimate protection,” Trump said during the G7.