Trump tees off in Scotland as protests, backlash grow

Former President Donald Trump arrived in Scotland this week for what he called a “working trip,” but critics say it looks more like a taxpayer-funded PR tour.

Trump was spotted golfing at his Turnberry resort alongside his son Eric and U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom Warren Stephens. He’s also expected to cut the ribbon on a new course in Aberdeenshire, named after his late mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, who was born in Scotland.

The trip sparked backlash across the country. Hundreds of protesters marched through Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow under the banner of the “Stop Trump Coalition,” slamming his immigration policies, foreign policy stances and ongoing legal troubles. Police launched one of the largest security operations since Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral — at a cost to Scottish taxpayers that has drawn sharp criticism.

“Why are we paying for this?” one protester shouted, holding a sign that read, “Migrants Welcome. Trump Not.”

The front pages of Scottish newspapers captured the full spectrum of reaction to Donald Trump’s visit, ranging from reverent to ruthless. Conservative-leaning outlets played it safe with headlines like “Welcome back, Mr. President!” and “Trump here for ‘tee party’”, framing the visit as part diplomacy, part golf. Others were more biting: “The EGO has landed” mocked the spectacle, while one paper highlighted his signature complaint with the headline, “U.S. President blasts ‘windmills’ and migration as visit begins.”

But the one that made the biggest splash online simply read: “Convicted U.S. felon to arrive in Scotland.”

Tomorrow’s front page????

Convicted US felon to arrive in Scotland pic.twitter.com/EEwAZaPXgC

— The National (@ScotNational) July 24, 2025

Trump, for his part, offered a quote that summed up both the visit and his priorities: “It’s great to be in Scotland, but stop the windmills.”

Scottish leaders and environmental groups have long criticized Trump’s golf projects, particularly the Aberdeenshire development, which was built on protected dunes. Promises of jobs and economic growth have largely fallen flat, according to local officials.

Despite the protests, Trump’s visit includes potential diplomacy. He’s scheduled to meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss a possible trade deal, including a proposed 15% tariff reduction on European goods.

But for many in Scotland, the former president’s visit landed more like a provocation than a policy tour.

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