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Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump Arrives to Protests and Mockery in Country That Hates Him: ‘Twinned With Epstein Island'
President Donald Trump will get no warm welcome in his mother's homeland. The president will land at Prestwick Airport, near Glasgow, Scotland, on Friday evening and immediately head to his golf resort at Turnberry, South Ayrshire, in the southwest of the country. He will then visit his other course in Aberdeen, in the northeast, before debuting a new 18-hole course bearing the name of his Scottish mother, Mary Anne MacLeod Trump. Anti-Trump protests and marches are scheduled to take place throughout the weekend, with events planned in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and at his golf courses. The Stop Trump Coalition has planned marches that will kick off simultaneously in Aberdeen and Edinburgh. A coalition of trade unions, disability advocates, climate activists, pro-Palestinian and Ukrainian solidarity groups, as well as American diaspora organizations, is also coordinating several days of events. The political campaign group Everyone Hates Elon has already set the tone by sabotaging Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeenshire by placing a placard under its sign, claiming that it is 'twinned with Epstein Island.' The group also claimed responsibility for sticking a photograph of Trump and the disgraced financier on a bus stop near the U.S. embassy in London. Even locals in his mother's birthplace in the Outer Hebrides appear rankled by his impending visit. 'Trump is running scared from the Epstein files,' one local said on X, adding a warning, 'Running to Scotland won't help him. We're ready - and waiting.' Seven out of 10 Scots have ill feelings towards the U.S. commander-in-chief, according to the latest Ipsos poll. 'The Scottish public hold a broadly unfavorable opinion of Donald Trump,' Emily Gray, managing director of Ipsos Scotland, said after the figures were released in March. One young man from Glasgow, interviewed by Scottish publication The National ahead of Trump's visit, worded it slightly differently. 'You're a p---k, man,' he said, using a derogatory term for a rude man. 'Tyranny and authoritarianism just isn't welcome in our country.' 'I hate Donald Trump,' another person said Thursday on the streets of Glasgow, according to The National. 'Get him out. Why is he coming? Why are we allowing him?' 'I heard he's got a chronic illness. And I hope it takes him out soon! Please!' she added. The White House described the visit as a 'private trip,' though Trump is set for a Monday meet with the U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Trump will meet with politicians who have previously scorned him. Greeting the president as he steps off Air Force One will be Scotland's secretary of state, Ian Murray, who once backed a motion accusing Trump of 'misogyny, racism, and xenophobia.' Scottish National Party leader John Swinney, whom Trump will meet next week, urged the cancellation of September's state visit after a televised shouting match erupted during the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky's trip to the White House in February.
DW
3 hours ago
- Politics
- DW
How Trump's trip split Scotland – DW – 07/29/2025
The US president has a soft spot for Scotland — but the feeling isn't mutual for most Scots. Trump's business-and-pleasure trip offered political wins for both sides. Will Scotland keep him at an arm's length? Donald Trump may be the most powerful member of Scotland's diaspora, but most people in his mother's country of birth did not view the US president's recent trip as the return of a prodigal son. As Trump touched down in Ayrshire late last week to begin a golfing holiday heavy on global geopolitics, Scotland's nationalist-leaning newspaper printed a front page that summed up how many here see him: "Convicted US felon to arrive in Scotland," it read. Anti-Trump protesters gathered under grey summer skies in Aberdeen on Saturday vented about the visit. "Deport Donald!" was scrawled on one cardboard placard. "Yer maw was an immigrant!" another sign read, adding some Scottish slang into the proverbial mudslinging. "Donald Trump does not represent the politics of the people of Scotland," demonstrator Alena Ivanova told DW. "He's not welcome here because he represents hate, and we support community and working together." This outright outrage at Trump's visit may be confined to opposition and activist circles, but Ivanona does have a broader point: Evidence shows the US president's politics don't chime with the majority of Scots. When asked how much they like him, Scots scored Trump an average of 1.76 out of 10. "Even those people who are more positive about him aren't going to be love-bombing him — and aren't expressing great affection for him," political scientist Chris Carman told DW. "Scots tend to see themselves as being more communitarian and somewhat more progressive," Carman, a professor at the University of Glasgow who crunched the polling numbers, explained. For now, the biggest political battle lines in Scotland — a nation of 5.5 million — are not between left and right. In fact, the most popular parties are both center-left, and instead public opinion is split on whether Scotland should divorce itself from the rest of the United Kingdom. The anti-Trump mood goes right to the top here. First Minister John Swinney, who heads up the devolved Scottish government in Edinburgh, publicly backed Trump rival Kamala Harris in last year's US elections. In February, Swinney accused Trump of promoting "ethnic cleansing" over his comments about Gaza. But a lack of enthusiasm from the public did little to dampen Trump's mood this week. He seemed right at home as he cut the ribbon on his third Scottish golf resort, which includes a course named after his mother Mary Anne McLeod, who left Scotland for New York aged 18. To this day, Trump has first cousins living in the country. "We love Scotland," a visibly upbeat US president said on Tuesday. He even extended a rare compliment to journalists here. "They're not fake news — today they're wonderful news," he said. This kind of trip, mixing the private with the political — and business with pleasure — is unusual for a sitting US president. By now, America's allies are accustomed to Trump's tendency to upend diplomatic norms, but the sight of a US leader playing host to UK and Scottish counterparts as guests on their own soil was still striking. Trump was in control, but they seemed happy to play along — and all three will go back to their capitals claiming diplomatic or economic wins. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video UK prime minister Keir Starmer and Scotland's John Swinney both pressed Trump to use his influence to end the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza, and Trump appeared to toughen his position on Russia — music to the ears of European allies. On a more personal level, Trump seemed sold on Scotland's Swinney, calling him a "terrific guy" before leaving on Tuesday. But Swinney was more cautious in his assessment, reflecting the political tightrope he is walking. Swinney steered clear of his past Trump-bashing, but also dodged repeated questions on whether he "liked" the US president. "He was pleasant company," Swinney told Scottish broadcaster STV on Tuesday. "I think my personal feelings about people are irrelevant. I've got a job to do," he added. That job includes trying to cushion the blow of US tariffs to Scotch whisky, one of the country's biggest exports. And some have been urging the first minister to drop the "grin and bear it" approach and embrace Trump to reap the possible rewards of the most powerful man in the world having a soft spot for Scotland. "I don't think we should expect all Scots to love Donald Trump. But we need to respect the position of president of the United States," businessman Allan Henderson told DW on Tuesday. "If he is prepared to invest in our country and employ people," he added, "then I'm sorry, I would get behind that." "We rely on goods like Scotch exports to the United States. The last thing you want to do is to put that industry into peril." Swinney told reporters on Tuesday that Trump had showed "willingness' to look at issues raised, including exempting whisky from US duties. No formal deal for Scotch was struck. Businessman Allan Henderson's home region of Aberdeenshire is no stranger to Trump-driven controversy. The US president was quick to bring up his age-old Aberdonian foe during this latest visit. For more than a decade, Trump has been railing against wind turbines that generate renewable energy near Aberdeen and elsewhere. He even unsuccessfully sued the Scottish government to try and halt construction of a wind farm near his golf course — a case that made it all the way to the UK Supreme Court. "Get rid of the windmills and bring back the oil," was Trump's message to Scotland before embarking on his most recent trip. As Trump winds up his five-day working holiday in Scotland, it's likely that his stake in Scottish politics may long outlive his presidency. After all, his business interests will continue to be bound by laws laid down in Edinburgh and London. Political scientist Chris Carman said it was not simply "a one-way street" whereby Scottish First Minister John Swinney is scrambling to make it positive. "Both leaders have an interest in trying to make sure that there's that positive dialogue between the Trump Organization and the Scottish government." "Donald Trump is perfectly willing to leverage both his soft and hard power in pursuing his financial interests and protecting his financial interests in Scotland," Carman told DW.. And that leaves at least one certainty for Scotland in a world increasingly defined by the stroke of an unpredictable presidential pen. As Carman put it: "Donald Trump is going to be a feature in Scottish politics."
Scotsman
14 hours ago
- Politics
- Scotsman
In Pictures: Scotland's top headlines on Monday, from John Swinney's independence pathway to anti-Trump protestors
It was a busy day for news in Scotland yesterday as US President Donald Trump's Scotland visit continues. Mr Trump first met with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at Turnberry in South Ayrshire, before the pair travelled to Menie in Aberdeenshire for a private visit. Dozens of anti-Trump protesters were out and about in Balmedie to welcome their arrival. Meanwhile, Scottish First Minister John Swinney revealed his pathway to independence after touring the Kelpies in Falkirk with Scottish Canals CEO John Paterson. Then, further up north King Charles III was in Thurso to mark the 70th anniversary of the Dounreay Nuclear site at Scrabster Harbour. 1 . Anti-Trump protestors gather at Balmedie Following demonstrations in Aberdeen city centre on Saturday, protestors gathered in Balmedie as US President Donald Trump visited his golf course at Menie. | Lisa Ferguson / The Scotsman Photo Sales 2 . Anti-Trump protestors demonstrating during the US President's visit to Aberdeenshire US President Donald Trump met UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at his golf courses. | Lisa Ferguson / The Scotsman Photo Sales 3 . A van with a photograph of US President Donald Trump and convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in Aberdeen city centre The van drove around Aberdeen city centre on Monday, during US President Donald Trump's five-day private trip to Scotland. The protest billboard was organised by the group 'Everyone Hates Elon'. | Jane Barlow/PA Wire Photo Sales 4 . Police watch a protestor on Balmedie Beach A protester on Balmedie Beach ahead of a visit by the US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at the president's Menie golf course in Aberdeenshire. | Jane Barlow/PA Wire Photo Sales
Boston Globe
3 days ago
- Politics
- Boston Globe
Trump plays golf in Scotland while protesters take to the streets and decry his visit
Advertisement Hundreds of demonstrators gathered on the cobblestone and tree-lined street in front of the U.S. Consulate about 100 miles (160 kilometers) away in Edinburgh, Scotland's capital. Speakers told the crowd that Trump was not welcome and criticized British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for striking a recent trade deal to avoid stiff U.S. tariffs on goods imported from the U.K. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Anti-Trump Protestors gather outside the US Consulate in Edinburgh, Scotland, July 26, 2025. ROBERT ORMEROD/NYT Protests were planned in other cities as environmental activists, opponents of Israel's war with Hamas in Gaza and pro-Ukraine groups loosely formed a 'Stop Trump Coalition.' Anita Bhadani, an organizer, said the protests were 'kind of like a carnival of resistance.' Trump's late mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, was born on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland and the president has suggested he feels at home in the country. But the protesters did their best to change that. Advertisement 'I don't think I could just stand by and not do anything,' said Amy White, 15, of Edinburgh, who attended with her parents. She held a cardboard sign that said 'We don't negotiate with fascists.' She said 'so many people here loathe him. We're not divided. We're not divided by religion, or race or political allegiance, we're just here together because we hate him.' Other demonstrators held signs of pictures with Trump and Jeffrey Epstein as the fervor over files in the case has increasingly frustrated the president. In the view of Mark Gorman, 63, of Edinburgh, 'the vast majority of Scots have this sort of feeling about Trump that, even though he has Scottish roots, he's a disgrace.' Gorman, who works in advertising, said he came out 'because I have deep disdain for Donald Trump and everything that he stands for.' Saturday's protests were not nearly as large as the throngs that demonstrated across Scotland when Trump played at Turnberry during his first term in 2018. But, as bagpipes played, people chanted 'Trump Out!' and raised dozens of homemade signs that said things like 'No red carpet for dictators,' 'We don't want you here' and 'Stop Trump. Migrants welcome.' People take part in a Stop Trump Scotland protest outside the US Consulate in Edinburgh, as US President Donald Trump begins his five-day private trip to the country at his Turnberry golf course in South Ayrshire on Saturday July 26, 2025. Jane Barlow/Associated Press One dog had a sign that said 'No treats for tyrants.' Some on the far right took to social media to call for gatherings supporting Trump in places such as Glasgow. Trump also plans to talk trade with Starmer and Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president. But golf is a major focus. The family will also visit another Trump course near Aberdeen in northeastern Scotland, before returning to Washington on Tuesday. The Trumps will cut the ribbon and play a new, second course in that area, which officially opens to the public next month. Advertisement Scottish First Minister John Swinney, who is also set to meet with Trump during the visit, announced that public money will go to staging the 2025 Nexo Championship, previously known previously as the Scottish Championship, at Trump's first course near Aberdeen next month. 'The Scottish Government recognizes the importance and benefits of golf and golf events, including boosting tourism and our economy,' Swinney said. At a protest Saturday in Aberdeen, Scottish Parliament member Maggie Chapman told the crowd of hundreds: 'We stand in solidarity, not only against Trump but against everything he and his politics stand for.' The president has long lobbied for Turnberry to host the British Open, which it has not done since he took over ownership. In a social media post Saturday, Trump quoted the retired golfer Gary Player as saying Turnberry was among the 'Top Five Greatest Golf Courses' he had played in as a professional. The president, in the post, misspelled the city where his golf course is located. This story has been corrected to reflect that the Trump family's company took over Turnberry in 2014, not 2008.
Time of India
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
JD Vance plans summer holiday in the English countryside with family - crowds warn be ready for protests
J.D. Vance, the Vice President, plans a summer vacation in England. His itinerary includes London, the Cotswolds, and Scotland. Anti-Trump groups plan protests during his trip. They oppose Trump's policies and intend to disrupt Vance's vacation. Protests occurred previously at Disneyland and a ski resort. Activists plan demonstrations at various locations during his visit. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What makes the Cotswolds a hot spot for elite Americans? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Why are protesters following JD Vance abroad? Has JD Vance faced this kind of backlash before? FAQs J.D. Vance, the Vice President, plans to spend the summer with his family in the beautiful English countryside, but not everyone is happy about it. Protesters, some of whom have followed him across the United States, now plan to stop his trip to the Cotswolds with rallies and other forms of groups have said they will protest the vice president's planned summer vacation in the English such as the Stop Trump Coalition , have promised to make the trip difficult because they are still unhappy with Trump's policies. There are likely to be protests in both England and Scotland during the vice president will "find the resistance waiting" during his summer vacation in England, which is an ocean and nearly 4,000 miles from Washington, according to the Stop Trump Coalition, as per a report by the Daily to The Telegraph, the vice president, his spouse Usha, and their three kids are scheduled to visit London in mid-August, rent a cottage in the Cotswolds, and then head to as the "Hamptons of England," the Cotswolds is a breathtaking region in the southwest of the country that is home to charming villages and undulating hills. King Charles, Hugh Grant, and David Beckham are among the wealthy elite who frequent the has been reported that JD Vance is looking for rental properties in the area, possibly in anticipation of Trump's it is simultaneously hosting a literary festival, one Oxfordshire property is unable to assist. It is reported that another affluent Anglo is thinking of making the Second Family an offer of his own British politicians are assisting the Vance family with their travel arrangements. The veep's fascination with the "Hamptons of England" is merely the most recent development in Vance's rise through the ranks of society, which has included stops at Yale, the US Senate, the Naval Observatory, Peter Thiel's venture capital fund, and redneck Ohio, as per a report by The sporting shamrock socks on St. Patrick's Day, Vance is an unlikely anglophile who made a joke about Britain being the "first truly Islamist country that will get a nuclear weapon." Many American Cotswoldians, like Ellen DeGeneres, who escaped across the Atlantic following Trump's reelection, will probably be appalled by a Vance "a coalition of pro-Palestinian demonstrators, climate protesters, and trade unions are set to hijack Vance's peaceful stay, which was first made public by The Spectator," according to the this month, Vance went to Disneyland with his children, and the Stop Trump Coalition has promised to make sure that his joy is as short-lived as it was. Outside the hotel where he was reportedly staying, protesters gathered to voice their opposition to the Trump administration's harsh immigration raids in March, JD Vance and his family had to leave a ski resort when protests broke out against the government's support for Ukraine. Demonstrations against the administration's stance on Ukraine erupted in Vermont in March, forcing Vance and his family to evacuate a ski Disneyland earlier this month, the Vances encountered opposition as well. The day before his arrival, the Vances were scheduled to stay at the Grand Californian Hotel, where more than 100 demonstrators gathered to voice their opposition to the Trump administration's mass his arrival day, fewer protesters turned up, and the park reportedly closed some rides so the Vances could enjoy them in private, which caused delays for other park Stop Trump Coalition plans to place a large message on a beach that can be seen from the sky and hang anti-Trump banners and flags along roadside plans to visit London, rent a cottage in the Cotswolds, and then travel to are targeting Vance for supporting Trump's policies, such as immigration raids.
