President Donald Trump, landing Friday at Glasgow Prestwick Airport, wasted no time launching into a scathing critique of Europe’s immigration policies, warning that unchecked migration amounts to a “horrible invasion” that is “killing” the continent.
“On immigration, you better get your act together or you’re not going to have Europe anymore,” Trump told reporters. He credited his wn administration for halting illegal entries at the U.S.-Mexico border. “Last month we had nobody entering our country. Nobody. Shut it down,” he said. In contrast, Trump called President Biden “a total stiff” for presiding over a spike in border apprehensions, including a record 249,785 in December 2023.
Trump praised Hungary and Poland for their hardline immigration policies, which include fortified borders, detention of asylum seekers, and a refusal to participate in EU migrant quotas. “Some leaders have not let it happen. And they’re not getting the proper credit,” he said, declining to name others to avoid “embarrassment.”
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The U.K. has seen a sharp rise in illegal Channel crossings, with nearly 22,500 migrants arriving so far this year—a 57% jump over the same period last year, according to Fox News. Italy, facing similar pressure from Mediterranean arrivals, has responded with detentions, deportations, and increased cooperation with North African governments. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s policies have drawn comparisons to those of Hungarian leader Viktor Orbán, including support for naval blockades and limiting NGO rescue operations.
“You’re allowing it to happen to your countries,” Trump warned, “and you got to stop this horrible invasion.”
Even the leftwing Economist has said that the West should scrap the current asylum system.
During his five-day visit, Trump will meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Scottish First Minister John Swinney, while inspecting his golf properties in Turnberry and Aberdeen. He praised Starmer as “a good man” who is “slightly more liberal than I am,” and credited him with finalizing the “Economic Prosperity Deal,” a bilateral agreement that reduces tariffs between the U.S. and U.K.
Trump also previewed a potential trade breakthrough with the European Union, calling a future deal “the biggest of them all.” He is scheduled to meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss negotiations.
