Newsroom
President Donald Trump was met with protests across Scotland this weekend as he arrived for a private golfing trip tied to his late mother’s heritage. Demonstrators gathered outside his resorts and in cities, hoisting Palestinian flags, abseiling from bridges and calling for his deportation.
Outside the U.S. consulate in Edinburgh, protesters waved signs mocking the president, including one that read, “Scotland is already great,” a play on Trump’s campaign slogan. Others referenced Trump’s ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, with photos and banners linking the president to the scandal.
Trump, golfing at his Turnberry resort, dismissed questions about Epstein, calling media coverage “sad” and “not a big thing.” His visit comes as polls show 71% of Scots view him unfavorably, higher than the U.K. average of 57%.
Among demonstrators was Janet MacLeod-Trotter, a distant relative, who accused Trump of misusing his Scottish heritage. She said members of the MacLeod clan were “ashamed” of his actions and critical of his investments in golf courses.
The trip has sparked controversy over its cost, with police resources stretched and security expected to cost taxpayers millions.
Trump is scheduled to meet U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Scottish First Minister John Swinney and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during his stay. While Trump called the U.K. trade deal finalized, he described chances of a U.S.-EU deal as “50-50.”
He is expected to return to the U.K. in September for an unprecedented second state visit with King Charles III.
With information from NPR.
