Trump's Scotland Golf Trip Met with Protests and Controversy
President Donald Trump's recent five-day "private working trip" to Scotland, primarily centered around his golf courses, has been met with widespread protests and controversy. Trump landed at Glasgow's Prestwick airport on July 25, 2025, and was greeted by Scottish Secretary Ian Murray and US Ambassador to the UK Warren Stephens. His visit immediately sparked backlash due to his comments on European immigration and public funding allocated to his golf tournament.
Controversial Statements on Arrival
Upon arrival in Scotland, Trump made headlines with controversial remarks regarding European immigration policies, stating it was "killing Europe." As reported by the Associated Press, he added, "You better get your act together. You're not going to have Europe anymore." He also suggested he had the power to pardon Ghislaine Maxwell, though he hadn't given it much thought. These statements quickly drew criticism and added fuel to the already brewing protests.
Nationwide Protests Against Trump's Policies
On July 26, hundreds of protesters gathered in Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and other cities across the UK, organized by groups such as the "Stop Trump Coalition." The demonstrations voiced opposition to Trump's policies and presence in Scotland. Protesters carried signs with slogans like "No red carpet for dictators," "We don't want you here," "Stop Trump. Migrants welcome," and "Scotland is already great." Some protesters also displayed "Free Gaza" signs and Palestinian flags, broadening the scope of their demonstrations.
Family Criticism and Tight Security at Turnberry
Adding to the criticism, a distant relative of Trump, Janet MacLeod-Trotter, participated in the Edinburgh protest. She held a sign that read "MacLeods against Trump," accusing him of "misusing his heritage." Meanwhile, Trump spent the day golfing at his Turnberry course in South Ayrshire with his son Eric and US Ambassador Warren Stephens. Security around the Turnberry course was extremely tight, with police, military personnel, snipers, and sniffer dogs deployed to keep protesters at a distance.
Public Funding for Trump's Golf Tournament Draws Ire
Scottish First Minister John Swinney announced £180,000 of public funding to support the 2025 Nexo Championship (formerly the Scottish Championship) at Trump's International Golf Links in Aberdeenshire next month. This decision drew immediate criticism from opposition parties and the public. Critics viewed this allocation of funds as inappropriate, especially given Trump's controversial standing and his resort's reported £1.4 million loss last year, according to BBC reports.
Scheduled Meetings and Future Plans
On July 27, Trump was scheduled to hold talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. He was also expected to visit his other golf resort in Balmedie, Aberdeenshire, and open a new, second course there. The remainder of his visit, through July 29, included further golf and meetings. A meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer was scheduled for Monday to refine a trade deal aimed at avoiding US tariffs on British goods.
Controversy Over Public Cost and Ethics Concerns
A significant point of contention revolves around the considerable cost of the security operation for Trump's "private" visit, with Scottish taxpayers bearing the financial burden. The Scottish Police Federation has raised concerns about the strain on police resources. Ethics experts have also raised concerns about potential conflicts between Trump's presidential duties and his private business interests, especially considering his assets are in a trust managed by his children, who oversee the Trump Organization.
Scottish Public Opinion and Key Statements
According to recent polls, 71% of people in Scotland have an unfavorable opinion of Trump, compared to 57% in the UK overall. This sentiment was echoed in statements from protesters, with one Edinburgh protester, Mark Gorman, stating, "The vast majority of Scots have this sort of feeling about Trump that, even though he has Scottish roots, he's a disgrace." Scottish Green co-leader Patrick Harvie criticized the public funding for the golf tournament as "handing some pocket money to the school bully."
