TURNBERRY, Scotland— President Trump thought he could escape his political woes on a golfing vacation in Scotland, but some locals had other ideas.
At the Trump Turnberry Resort, located on Scotland’s picturesque west coast, security was ramped up significantly in anticipation of major protests. Authorities were ready for thousands to demonstrate against various things — from U.S. support for Israel to Trump’s stance on immigration.
However, Saturday’s turnout was surprisingly low, with only a few protesters showing up at Turnberry. This might have been due to several other anti-Trump events happening across Scotland at the same time.
On Sunday, Trump is set to meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, sparking hopes of a potential deal to prevent a trade war between the U.S. and Europe. He’s also scheduled to chat with Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer, where trade will certainly be on the agenda. Over the weekend, Trump and his son, Eric, were seen golfing with U.S. Ambassador to the U.K., Warren Stephens.
This trip marks one of Scotland’s most intensive security operations in years. It’s reminiscent of the last time he visited in 2018 when a banner-waving protester invaded airspace restrictions with a paraglider. Given Trump’s current domestic struggles, the presence of security was heightened around the golf course.
Police even constructed a substantial fence and utilized horseback units along nearby beaches to keep protesters at a distance.
Kate Hilferty and Kenny Wilson had come from Glasgow to protest, questioning the enormous security costs. “I honestly thought there’d be more people here to justify this spending,” Wilson shared.
Demonstrations also erupted in other cities, like Edinburgh and Aberdeen. A group named Stop Trump Scotland expressed that, “The people of Scotland don’t want to roll out the welcome mat for Donald Trump, whose government is fueling climate change and advancing fascism worldwide.”
Interestingly, Trump does have some fans in Scotland. At Prestwick Airport, upon his arrival on Air Force One, supporters gathered to greet him. One of those fans, Cathy MacLeod from Johnson, shared her thoughts: “He’s altered the political landscape for the better, not only in America.”
Historically, Trump isn’t as warmly embraced during his visits to his mother’s homeland. Where the Irish are keen on showing affection towards U.S. presidents with Irish roots, Scots, not so much. His mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, was born on the Isle of Lewis, yet many locals find it rather awkward having him represent Scotland. Coincidentally, next week he’ll unveil a new golf course in her memory at another of his Scottish venues on the Aberdeenshire coast.
Views on Trump tend to lean left in Scotland. A recent opinion poll revealed that roughly 70% of Scots have an unfavorable view of him, in contrast with 57% in the broader U.K.
Matt Halliday drove an hour from Stranraer to air his grievances, holding a placard stating “Trump Go Home,” alongside a photo of Trump and the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. “He’s morally repugnant,” Halliday said passionately.
Questions surrounding Trump’s past relations with Epstein have persisted. Trump has claimed that he distanced himself from Epstein long before Epstein was charged with serious sex trafficking offenses. A recent Wall Street Journal piece linked Trump to a letter in a birthday album for Epstein, which Trump discredited as non-existent and has thus pursued legal action against the Journal for defamation.
The opposition to Trump among Scots traces back to the environmentally damaging effects of constructing his golf courses. Conservationists assert that the building operations in Aberdeenshire significantly harmed local wildlife, particularly in a region that housed endangered species.
In 2020, the Scottish government’s Nature Agency revoked the site’s special status, a move that Trump International Scotland deemed politically charged. There’s speculation around why the Scottish authorities greenlighted his controversial project, especially since he had promised $1.2 billion in investments to revitalize the area’s economy that relies heavily on dwindling North Sea oil supplies.
However, interruptions followed, leading to resentments. A luxury resort meant to accompany the golf course never materialized, and locals sour at the reality of having 36 holes without much economic benefit. Tourists are now flocking to Aberdeen or Edinburgh instead.
Local resident David Milne dedicated years fighting against Trump’s attempts to acquire his home, which he saw as a nuisance. “We’ve had enough of him,” he emphasized. During the struggle, he even hoisted a large Mexican flag from his shuttered coast guard station.
Scottish leader John Swinney faces a diplomatic balancing act when meeting Trump next week. He acknowledges his previous endorsement of Kamala Harris and intends to discuss the issues plaguing Gaza, but he also highlights the importance of nurturing U.S.-Scottish ties. “Scotland and the United States have maintained a strong alliance throughout history, anchored by cultural, economic, and ancestral threads, including ties with the president himself,” Swinney affirmed.
For inquiries, contact James Hookway at James.Hookway@wsj.com.
