May 1
Trump flew to Scotland to open a new golf course near the northern city of Aberdeen – his third in Scotland. A YouGov/CBS poll showed him leading DeSantis by 36 points with all other candidates remaining in single figures
He also received an endorsement form Congressman Josh Brecheen of Oklahoma, a member of the House Freedom Caucus.
May 2
Trump did an interview with right-wing former politician Nigel Farage on GB News from Trump Turnberry golf course in southwest Scotland. He bashed Joe Biden, Meghan Markle and trans athletes before claiming he could solve the Ukraine war in a day and blamed Biden for its instigation. Finally, he reiterated claims that the 2020 election was rigged, before striking a positive tone regarding his chances for winning in 2024.
He also announced a slew of policies related to universities including reform of the university accreditation system and mandatory entrance and exit exams. He also announced he would direct the DoJ to pursue civil rights cases against universities using affirmative action. These schools would also have measures introduced against them to tax their endowments and/or fine them up to the entire value of their endowments.
May 3
Trump travelled from Scotland to the west of Ireland to visit his golf resort in Doonbeg. He garnered some Irish media attention after crediting Ireland’s ability to “lure” foreign businesses to set up shop in the country. This trip meant that Trump skipped the ongoing civil rape trial against him in Manhattan.
In further legal proceedings, Trump had his lawsuit against the New York Times and Mary Trump thrown out by a New York Supreme Court judge and was ordered to cover associated legal costs.
He also criticized Biden online for revoking Title 42, which allowed for the instant removal of illegal immigrants.
May 4
Trump completed 18 rounds at his Doonbeg golf course before speaking to the media in the hotel. He addressed the rape accusations, calling them a political attack and denying that he knows the accuser. He also repeatedly attacked President Biden’s health, comparing their golfing abilities. Following this, he announced that he would be cutting his Irish visit short to defend himself and flew out of Shannon Airport in the evening.
May 5-6
After returning from Ireland, Trump remained largely quiet with the civil rape trial due to hear closing remarks on Monday.
May 7
A new ABC/Washington Post poll showed Trump leading Biden 49-42 in a hypothetical presidential matchup – one of his most positive polls in a while.
Donald Trump was very much on holiday early in the week, visiting his various golf courses in the UK and Ireland and largely avoiding the political spotlight. His polling lead remained commanding even as legal issues continued whilst he returned home.