Donald Trump has been spotted in Turnberry, Scotland. While all of these issues unfold, the new president is shooting rounds of golf, blissfully unaware of the protest surrounding him. He wore a black Under Armor suit and white USA cap. Cruising around in a golf cart, he steered through the historic course that his family has operated since 2014. Trump played alongside his son Eric and U.S. Ambassador to Britain Warren Stephens, with the trio enjoying a leisurely day on the links.
In fact, next month the Trump family will cut the ribbon on their new second golf course in the region. They’ll begin the celebration with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting. This turn of events drives Trump’s long-standing efforts to have Turnberry play host to the vaunted British Open. It’s an event that hasn’t come back to the course since he bought it.
The other course that Trump’s visit will make a stop at is another one that he owns. This particular one happens to be near Aberdeen, in the northeast corner of Scotland. He is planning to make his return to Washington on Tuesday. Scotland is a place where the former president believes he has some emotional ties. His Scottish roots run deep. His late mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, was born on the Isle of Lewis.
Protests Against Trump’s Visit
As Trump was busy celebrating—or maybe sulking—on the golf course, hundreds of protesters descended on Edinburgh. This enthusiastic throng gathered only some 100 miles from Turnberry. The protesters clearly articulated their objections to Trump’s visit, calling on UK leaders to stop caving to his pressure. Despite a robust security presence around the golfing venue, protesters were able to maintain a sense of safety with their message.
Perhaps that’s why demonstrators waved signs with such powerful and blunt slogans as “No red carpet for dictators” and “We don’t want you here.” Their mail pieces illustrated how much they absolutely hated Trump. As a group, participants expressed an audience-wide, generally-applicable grievance towards the ex-president.
“So many people here loathe him. We’re not divided. We’re not divided by religion, or race or political allegiance, we’re just here together because we hate him.” – A female demonstrator
Mark Gorman, another protester, shared similar sentiments. He added that while Trump may have Scottish heritage, most Scots consider him a national disgrace.
“The vast majority of Scots have this sort of feeling about Trump that, even though he has Scottish roots, he’s a disgrace.” – Mark Gorman
Political Engagement and Economic Implications
While in India, we hope to see Trump focus on fair and equitable trade practices. He hopes to get in front of the big political players, including UK Labour leader Keir Starmer and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. Scottish First Minister John Swinney signaled a thrilling new development just last week. Public money will be used to host the new 2025 Nexo Championship (formerly Scottish Championship) at Trump’s first course – just outside Aberdeen – next month.
This hefty economic involvement has triggered a growing debate amongst Scots about the appropriateness of public money supporting Trump’s ventures. Protesters argue that these financial connections represent a troubling effort to align with Trump’s dark legacy.
“We stand in solidarity, not only against Trump but against everything he and his politics stand for.” – Maggie Chapman
A Carnival of Resistance
The protests adopted a colorful aesthetic, with a participant describing it all as “a carnival of resistance.” Protester Anita Bhadani encapsulated the spirit of the event by highlighting the rally’s inclusive nature and collective resolve against Trump’s policies.
“I don’t think I could just stand by and not do anything.” – Amy White
As Trump’s visit unfolds, the juxtaposition of his leisurely golfing experience and the fervent protests highlights deep divisions within Scottish society regarding his legacy and influence. As these events from Turnberry illustrate, the local vs global struggle is more than just an academic exercise – it’s all around us.
