President Donald Trump‘s visit to Scotland has drawn intense criticism from Scotland’s largest newspaper, The Daily Record, which called him a “menace” in an editorial while also urging U.K. leaders to pursue pragmatic engagement for the sake of long-term relations.
Newsweek contacted Trump’s team for a response to the report via email.
Why It Matters
The comments come after Scottish police have told Newsweek a “significant” operation was being planned in expectation of protests against Trump during his time in Scotland, where he will visit his newest golf course. In 2018, thousands of protesters gathered when Trump visited his Scottish golf courses during his first term.
What To Know
On the eve of Trump’s five-day trip to Scotland, The Daily Record published a strong editorial criticizing his actions.
The newspaper described Trump as a “menace who has caused chaos at home and abroad,” referencing his refusal to accept defeat in the 2020 U.S. presidential election, perceived support for protesters involved in the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, and his public statements regarding foreign leaders including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The editorial also said that Trump’s status as a “convicted felon” was contributing to Scottish protesters’ outrage.
Despite these criticisms, the paper urged leaders such as U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney to maintain engagement with Trump for economic and diplomatic reasons, citing decades-long U.S.-UK security ties and potential leverage on international issues such as tariffs and foreign conflicts.
What People Are Saying
Sarah Malone, executive vice president of Trump International, said in a press release sent to Newsweek: “The Trump family has a deep affection for Scotland, not only as the home of golf, but as the ancestral home of President Trump’s beloved mother, Mary Anne MacLeod. We are therefore delighted to confirm that we are planning the creation of a memorial garden in honor of Mary Anne MacLeod as a fitting tribute to her name and legacy.”
Born on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, MacLeod moved to the U.S. in 1930 and became a naturalized citizen in March 1942.
What Happens Next
Trump’s visit is expected to draw protests throughout Scotland, as noted by The Daily Record. U.K. and Scottish leaders face the challenge of balancing domestic opposition to Trump’s policies and character with the need to maintain and potentially strengthen critical U.S.-UK relationships.
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