TRUMP GOLFS IN SCOTLAND AMID PROTESTS
EDINBURGH, Scotland — President Donald Trump spent Saturday enjoying a round of golf at his Turnberry course on Scotland’s picturesque coast. His visit, however, sparked protests across the country, with demonstrators voicing their displeasure about his presence and criticizing British leaders for their perceived favoritism towards the American president.
Trump and his son Eric were accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to the U.K., Warren Stephens, and enjoyed a round in favorable weather. They played the historic course, which the Trump family has owned since 2014. While they focused on their game, security was heightened, keeping protesters at bay.
Throughout the day, crowds gathered at the U.S. Consulate in Edinburgh, approximately 100 miles away, where speakers criticized Trump and targeted British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for a recent trade deal aimed at avoiding hefty tariffs on U.K. goods.
Protests were also organized in other cities, with environmental activists and various groups uniting under a “Stop Trump Coalition.” Organizer Anita Bhadani described the protests as a “carnival of resistance.”
Trump has roots in Scotland, as his late mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, was from the Isle of Lewis. Despite this connection, demonstrators made their feelings known. One young attendee, 15-year-old Amy White, held a sign declaring, “We don’t negotiate with fascists,” uniting with others in their opposition to Trump’s policies.
Another protestor, Mark Gorman, expressed his disdain for Trump, noting that many Scots view him unfavorably, regardless of his Scottish heritage. While Saturday’s protests were smaller than those witnessed during Trump’s first visit to Turnberry in 2018, they still featured chants and signs with messages like “No red carpet for dictators.”
Supporters of Trump, particularly from the far right, took to social media calling for gatherings in support of the president in cities like Glasgow. Meanwhile, Trump is expected to discuss trade with both Starmer and Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, during his visit.
After his time at Turnberry, Trump plans to visit another golf course near Aberdeen, where a new course is set to open next month. The Scottish government has recognized the economic benefits of golf, announcing public funds to host the Nexo Championship at Trump’s course.
Scottish First Minister John Swinney emphasized the positive impact of golf events on tourism and the economy. As protests continue to highlight divisions, it’s clear that Trump’s visits evoke strong reactions, both for and against his presidency.
