President Donald Trump teed off at his scenic Turnberry course in Scotland on Saturday, July 26, 2025, while hundreds of demonstrators across the country voiced their displeasure with his visit.
On a day filled with both leisure and tension, Trump enjoyed a round of golf at his coastal property, accompanied by his son Eric and U.S. Ambassador Warren Stephens, even as protests flared in cities like Edinburgh and Aberdeen over his presence and policies, AP News reported.
Starting early, Trump, sporting a black outfit and a white “USA” cap, drove his golf cart across the Turnberry course, a property his family’s company acquired back in 2014. Security was ironclad, ensuring protesters remained far from sight. By mid-afternoon, plainclothes security began to depart, signaling the president had likely wrapped up his 18 holes with a lunch break in between.
Meanwhile, about 100 miles away in Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, hundreds gathered outside the U.S. Consulate, chanting “Trump Out!” and waving signs with pointed messages like “No red carpet for dictators.” Other cities saw similar demonstrations, organized by a coalition of environmentalists, pro-Ukraine supporters, and critics of Israel’s conflict in Gaza.
Anita Bhadani, a protest organizer, called the events a “carnival of resistance.” Well, if it’s a carnival, it seems more like a sideshow than a main event, especially compared to the massive turnouts during Trump’s first term in 2018. These smaller crowds suggest the outrage, while loud, might not carry the same punch this time around.
Amy White, a 15-year-old from Edinburgh, declared, “I don’t think I could just stand by and not do anything.” Admirable passion, but one wonders if the unified “hate” she describes truly represents all Scots, or just a vocal faction eager to protest anything tied to Trump’s name.
Trump’s connection to Scotland runs deep, with his late mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, hailing from the Isle of Lewis, yet that heritage hasn’t softened local criticism. Mark Gorman, a 63-year-old Edinburgh resident, called Trump “a disgrace” despite those roots. It’s a stark reminder that family ties don’t guarantee a warm welcome when political divides are this wide.
In Aberdeen, Scottish Parliament member Maggie Chapman spoke at a rally, stating, “We stand in solidarity, not only against Trump but against everything he and his politics stand for.” Fair enough, but such blanket opposition often drowns out room for dialogue—something even critics might find valuable on issues like trade or tourism.
Not everyone was waving protest signs, though, as some far-right voices on social media urged pro-Trump gatherings in places like Glasgow. It’s a small but telling counterpoint that, even in a land of vocal detractors, the president retains a sliver of support.
Golf, unsurprisingly, remains a centerpiece of Trump’s Scottish itinerary, with plans to visit another family-owned course near Aberdeen before heading back to Washington on Tuesday, July 29, 2025. There, the Trumps will cut the ribbon on a new second course set to open publicly next month. It’s a business win, even if the political optics are murkier.
Trump has long pushed for Turnberry to host the British Open, a dream yet unfulfilled since his ownership began, though he did take to social media on Saturday—misspelling the nearby town’s name—to share a quote from retired golfer Gary Player praising Turnberry as among the “Top Five Greatest Golf Courses.” A nice pat on the back, but a typo in the post might just give critics another petty jab to swing at.
On the political front, Trump’s visit includes planned discussions on trade with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. It’s a reminder that, beyond the fairways, real policy stakes are in play.
Scottish First Minister John Swinney, who will meet with Trump during this trip, defended public funding for the 2025 Nexo Championship at Trump’s Aberdeen course next month, stating, “The Scottish Government recognizes the importance and benefits of golf and golf events, including boosting tourism and our economy.” It’s a pragmatic stance, though one likely to irk protesters who see any collaboration as a betrayal of principle.
Those protesters, after all, weren’t shy about their disdain, with signs in Edinburgh ranging from “Migrants welcome” to a dog sporting a placard reading “No treats for tyrants.” Clever, sure, but when even pets are dragged into political theater, one has to wonder if the message risks getting lost in the gimmick.
Ultimately, Trump’s Scottish swing blends personal passion with public controversy, a par for the course in his political journey. As he moves from Turnberry to Aberdeen, the clash of golf clubs and protest chants will likely follow.
