Trump’s Scotland Golf Trip Met With Mass Protests, Epstein Questions/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump’s visit to his Turnberry golf course in Scotland was overshadowed by nationwide protests. Demonstrators denounced his presence, criticized recent U.K. trade deals, and reignited scrutiny over his links to Jeffrey Epstein. Meanwhile, Trump focused on golfing and promoting his course amid widespread opposition.
Trump’s Scotland Golf Trip + Quick Looks
- President Trump played golf at Turnberry, accompanied by son Eric and U.S. Ambassador Warren Stephens
- Nationwide protests erupted, with demonstrators in Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and other cities opposing the visit
- Activists condemned Trump’s past ties to Jeffrey Epstein, citing ongoing concern over secret case files
- U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s recent trade deal with Trump criticized by protesters
- Hundreds gathered near the U.S. Consulate in Edinburgh, staging a “carnival of resistance”
- Protesters held signs with messages like “No treats for tyrants” and “Stop Trump, migrants welcome”
- Scottish First Minister John Swinney supported golf investment, despite public opposition to Trump
- Trump will also open a second golf course in Aberdeen, continuing his Scottish tour
- Trump misspelled Turnberry in a social post, despite praising it as a top-five course
- Scottish MP Maggie Chapman rallied protesters, denouncing Trump’s policies and presence
Deep Look
Protesters Decry Trump’s Scottish Golf Visit Amid Epstein Controversy and Political Tensions
EDINBURGH, Scotland (AP) — President Donald Trump’s golf outing at his Turnberry resort on Scotland’s picturesque coast drew widespread protests across the country Saturday, as critics condemned his presence, questioned his past ties to Jeffrey Epstein, and expressed anger over the U.K. government’s engagement with the Trump administration.
While Trump and his son Eric played a round with U.S. Ambassador to Britain Warren Stephens, hundreds of demonstrators assembled across Scotland. From Edinburgh to Aberdeen, the message was clear: Trump is not welcome.
The Turnberry visit marked part of Trump’s ongoing European tour, where golf diplomacy, trade talks, and international optics intersected. But protestors were determined to overshadow his time on the green.
A “Carnival of Resistance” in Edinburgh
In Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, hundreds gathered in front of the U.S. Consulate for what organizers dubbed a “carnival of resistance.”
Activist Anita Bhadani said the event united a variety of groups — from environmentalists to pro-Ukraine advocates — under one coalition: Stop Trump.
Demonstrators waved signs with messages like:
- “We don’t negotiate with fascists”
- “No red carpet for dictators”
- “Trump Out!”
- “No treats for tyrants” (held by a dog)
June Osbourne, an Edinburgh photographer dressed like a character from The Handmaid’s Tale, said:
“Too many countries feel forced to accept Trump. We should not accept him here.”
Lingering Epstein Scandal Clouds Visit
As Trump drove a golf cart across the Turnberry course, a Sky News reporter shouted questions about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, whose legacy of abuse continues to haunt Trump’s political future. Though the president ignored the questions, demonstrators amplified the issue, holding posters pairing Trump’s photo with Epstein and demanding transparency.
For many Scots, the Epstein allegations add to an already long list of concerns surrounding the former president. Amy White, a 15-year-old protester, summed up the sentiment:
“So many people here loathe him… we’re not divided by religion or race — we just hate him.”
Political Fallout Across the UK
Protesters also expressed anger toward U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who recently struck a trade deal with the Trump administration. Critics accused Starmer of legitimizing a divisive figure to protect British exports from U.S. tariffs.
Meanwhile, Scottish First Minister John Swinney announced government funding for a major golf championship — the 2025 Nexo Championship — to be held at another Trump-owned course in Aberdeen. Swinney cited economic benefits, but critics questioned using public funds to support Trump enterprises.
Aberdeen Protests and Trump’s Golf Expansion
At a separate demonstration in Aberdeen, Scottish Parliament member Maggie Chapman addressed a crowd of several hundred, stating:
“We stand in solidarity, not only against Trump but against everything he and his politics stand for.”
Trump’s itinerary includes the opening of a second golf course near Aberdeen next week. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned, continuing the Trump Organization’s expansion in Scotland.
Trump also plans meetings with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister Starmer to discuss trade.
Public Image vs. Personal Interests
Despite the outcry, Trump used social media to boast about his Turnberry course, quoting golfer Gary Player and calling it one of the “Top Five Greatest Golf Courses” — though he misspelled Turnberry in the post.
Security remained tight at the resort, and while protesters couldn’t breach the perimeter, their presence was felt far beyond the golf course gates.
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