President Trump spent his Saturday playing a round of golf at his coastal course in Turnberry, Scotland, even as demonstrations erupted across the United Kingdom to protest his presence and policies. Dressed in black and sporting a white “USA” cap, the president was accompanied by his son Eric Trump and U.S. Ambassador to Britain, Warren Stephens.
While President Trump enjoyed a leisurely day on the greens, security forces ensured protesters were kept at a distance. Witnesses said he played the front nine, paused for lunch, and then completed the back nine before plainclothes officers began departing the course, signaling the end of his outing.
Tight Security Cloaks Turnberry as Demonstrators Mobilize
The Trump-owned Turnberry golf resort, which the Trump Organization acquired in 2014, was locked down under heavy security. Protesters were prevented from getting close to the course, and none were visible to the president during his game. Despite the seclusion of the venue, the atmosphere outside was anything but calm.
Hundreds gathered in Edinburgh—about 100 miles from Turnberry—outside the U.S. Consulate to denounce the visit. Chanting slogans and waving homemade placards, demonstrators accused British leaders of compromising national values for trade advantages and photo opportunities with the U.S. president.
Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Beyond: Cities United in Protest
In Edinburgh, a “Stop President Trump Coalition” brought together a broad spectrum of activists: environmentalists, pro-Palestinian voices, and Ukraine supporters. The protest took on the flavor of a “carnival of resistance,” as described by lead organizer Anita Bhadani. Demonstrators decried Trump’s track record on human rights, climate change, and global conflict.
Meanwhile, in Aberdeen, Scottish Parliament member Maggie Chapman addressed hundreds, stating, “We stand in solidarity, not only against Trump but against everything he and his politics stand for.” From “No treats for tyrants” signs draped around dogs to bagpipe-led chants of “Trump Out,” the message across Scotland was resoundingly clear.
Trade Talks and Scottish Ties Complicate Optics
Despite widespread protests, President Trump plans to meet with key European leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, to discuss trade relations. Starmer recently struck a deal to avert tariffs on U.K. exports to the U.S., a move criticized by protest leaders as appeasement.
Trump has long touted his Scottish heritage—his mother was born on the Isle of Lewis—and has often referred to Scotland as a second home. But the weekend’s demonstrations suggested many Scots reject that narrative, viewing the president’s policies and persona as incompatible with the country’s values.
Golf Diplomacy: A New Course in Aberdeen and Public Support
Before returning to Washington on Tuesday, the Trump family will also visit another golf property near Aberdeen. There, they will inaugurate a second course, which opens to the public next month. The Scottish Government has confirmed that public funds will help host the 2025 Nexo Championship at the site, sparking further controversy.
First Minister John Swinney defended the decision, stating, “The Scottish Government recognizes the importance and benefits of golf and golf events, including boosting tourism and our economy.” Trump, for his part, continued lobbying for Turnberry to host the British Open, praising the course in a social media post—though he misspelled the name of its host city.
A President Trump Unmoved by Protest
Despite the outcry, President Trump appeared unfazed. His day in Turnberry proceeded uninterrupted, and no public remarks were made regarding the protests. The administration has framed the visit as both recreational and diplomatic, with golf positioned as a tool of soft diplomacy.
However, for many in Scotland and beyond, the president’s visit was an unwelcome reminder of geopolitical divides. As chants of “No red carpet for dictators” echoed through city streets, one thing was certain: Trump’s presence in Scotland, like his presidency, remains deeply polarizing.
