Scottish People Dislike Trump

Negative Reception of Trump’s Scotland Visit: July 2025

Donald Trump’s visit to Scotland this weekend has been met with widespread protests, critical media headlines, and a palpable lack of local enthusiasm, revealing both longstanding grievances and new flashpoints during his stay.

Street Protests and Public Outcry

Hundreds of demonstrators rallied across Scotland, most prominently in front of the U.S. Consulate in Edinburgh, carrying signs and chanting slogans such as “Trump Out!” and “No Red Carpet for Dictators.” The protests included environmental activists, anti-war groups, and pro-Ukraine coalitions, all united in the message that Trump was “not welcome” in Scotland. Speakers denounced both Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who was criticized for striking a recent trade deal with the U.S. Many protesters wore costumes referencing the dystopian series “The Handmaid’s Tale” and brandished artwork with slogans like “Resist” stamped over Trump’s image, reflecting a creative but bitter tone123.

Media Reaction and Political Commentary

Scottish newspapers captured a spectrum of responses, but most national outlets—from The National to independent journalists—offered biting coverage or pointedly dismissive headlines. The sentiment among Scotland’s political class was summed up by Scottish National Party MP Stephen Flynn, who quipped that he would be too busy “washing his hair” to meet Trump. Author Dominic Hinde remarked that, unlike Westminster, “Scotland doesn’t need to bow to the White House,” and suggested Trump’s reception has only worsened, with many preferring to distance the country from his politics45.

Lingering Local Hostility

Trump’s business dealings in Scotland have long soured public sentiment, especially among residents near his golf courses in Turnberry and Balmedie. Many local families and environmental advocates accuse him of failing to meet promises of economic revitalization, with investments falling drastically short of projections and jobs remaining scarce. Claims persist that development of his Balmedie resort resulted in damaged local infrastructure and unfulfilled pledges. Trump’s environmental views, such as his vocal opposition to wind and solar energy, also place him at odds with Scottish priorities—especially as wind power now supplies about half of the country’s electricity46.

Online Backlash and Political Satire

On social media, right-wing support for Trump was far outweighed by criticism and calls to protest. Scottish and British Twitter users shared memes, posted photos from demonstrations, and mocked Trump’s remarks urging European leaders to “get your act together” on immigration and alternative energy sources7. An infamous banner spotted at Turnberry read, “Scotland hated Trump before it was fashionable,” highlighting the deep-rooted local antipathy42.

Heavy Security, Light Enthusiasm

Security at Trump’s golf venues was unprecedented, with police, military trucks, and roadblocks creating a tense atmosphere, reminiscent of major royal or state events. While golf and private meetings with UK and EU leaders were on Trump’s official agenda, the main public narrative this weekend centered on Scotland’s broad, visible, and creative rejection of his presence41.

This weekend’s events have made it clear: while Trump may tout family and business ties to Scotland, the reception he received was overwhelmingly negative—driven by unresolved local disputes, political opposition, and a Scottish public eager to show that his brand of politics remains unwelcome on their soil14263.

Sources:

1. https://apnews.com/article/trump-scotland-protests-golf-starmer-tariffs-1c9b7265e56c6ec01821e1c33eb9de14
2. https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/trump-plays-golf-scotland-protesters-streets-decry-visit-124094049
3. https://www.the-independent.com/news/uk/home-news/doanld-trump-scotland-golf-course-police-search-b2796460.html
4. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/26/trump-in-scotland-hows-his-trip-going-and-whats-on-the-agenda
5. https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/trump-tees-off-scotland-protests-140419581.html
6. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2025/07/26/trump-scotland-golf-resort/85304189007/
7. https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/trump-brutally-trolled-over-his-3-word-plea-to-europe-as-he-lands-in-glasgow-scotland-netherlands-would-like-a-101753527686968.html
8. https://www.npr.org/2025/07/24/nx-s1-5475207/trump-scotland-trade-epstein
9. https://apnews.com/article/trump-scotland-mother-ancestry-golf-d31dadc1ef89591b82efaabfdcb2ddde