Scotland Shines: Protesters Take a Stand Against Trump During His Golf Trip

EDINBURGH, Scotland — As President Trump enjoyed golf in Scotland, a wave of protests erupted outside his resorts. People gathered in cities, swinging Palestinian flags and chanting for his deportation.

At a protest outside the U.S. consulate in Edinburgh, demonstrators voiced their discontent. One held Scottish bagpipes and a sign that read, “At least this bag of hot air serves a purpose.” Another banner playfully flipped Trump’s slogan with “Scotland is already great.”

Niamh Cunvin-Smith, 25, traveled from Inverness and questioned why Trump was welcome in a country that largely disapproved of him. A recent poll showed that 71% of Scots held an unfavorable view of Trump, significantly higher than the 57% for the rest of the U.K.

Trump, whose mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, hailed from Scotland, was golfing at Turnberry, about 100 miles from the consulate. His heritage was a point of contention, especially among relatives. Janet MacLeod-Trotter held a sign reading “MacLeods against Trump,” expressing disappointment in how he utilized his family name.

Protests weren’t limited to signs and speeches. Some demonstrations included visual jabs, like banners implying ties between Trump and Jeffrey Epstein. This sentiment resonates strongly, especially as protests echoed across various platforms, including social media where images of Trump and Epstein were shared widely.

Regarding security for his trip, significant resources were mobilized, costing taxpayers millions. Many locals questioned the benefits of this expense. Kerry Walsh, a visitor from Glasgow, admitted to skepticism about the visit’s value. The Scottish police union raised alarms about stretched resources, warning responses to other incidents could be delayed.

Amidst the protests, Trump participated in meetings with key figures, including U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Discussions were expected to focus on trade deals, notable as Trump remarked about signings being mostly celebratory rather than arduous negotiations.

As his trip wrapped up, Trump planned to return to the U.K. for a state visit with King Charles III in September, marking an unprecedented second state visit. This connection with Britain remains complex, shaped by both the historical and political landscape that continues to evolve.

With notable protests and discussions happening around him, Trump’s presence in Scotland became more than just a golf outing. It ignited conversations about heritage, local sentiment, and international relations, reflecting the intricate web of influences that define today’s political environments.



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