Donald Trump is heading to Scotland on Friday. But one newspaper has already made its opinion clear. The National ran a front page with the headline: “Convicted US felon to arrive in Scotland.” It continued, “Republican leader, who was found liable for sexual abuse and defamation, will visit golf courses.”
Trump will spend five days in the country. He is set to meet UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney. Scotland Secretary Ian Murray will welcome him at the airport.
His visit has been described as private. But he will still meet two of the most powerful political leaders in Britain. He will also stay at his golf resorts in Turnberry and Menie, far from the public.
Trump is visiting mainly to open a new golf course. The 18-hole course in Menie, Aberdeenshire, is dedicated to his mother, who was born in Scotland. He also plans to spend time at his Trump Turnberry resort in South Ayrshire.
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Not everyone is pleased.
Several protest groups are preparing to march under the banner of the “Stop Trump Coalition.” The demonstrations are planned for Saturday in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dumfries. The coalition includes trade unions, climate justice campaigners, Palestinian and Ukrainian advocacy groups, and members of the American diaspora.
Police Scotland has confirmed that a major security operation is underway. Assistant Chief Constable Emma Bond said the visit “will require a significant police operation using local, national and specialist resources from across Police Scotland, supported by colleagues from other UK police forces.”
Trump was convicted in 2023 of 34 felonies for falsifying business records. The case was linked to hush-money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels. He was also found liable for sexual abuse and defamation in a separate civil case.
That legal history is what The National chose to highlight. The paper did not use his name on the front page at all.
In Glasgow, some residents made their views known.
“I don’t think many Scottish people would feel he’s welcome,” said Anna Acquroff. “I think it’s an embarrassment that he is coming here at all. Personally.”
But not everyone agrees.
Keith Bean told Reuters, “talking is always good. To divide and keep people separate from one another without discussing, it tends to create more problems than conversation.”
Trump’s trip will include meetings, security escorts, and high-level talks. But much of the country will be watching from outside the gates.
Featured image via Screengrab
