Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Aberdeen and Edinburgh on Saturday to protest former U.S. President Donald Trump's five-day visit to Scotland, as authorities deployed one of the largest security operations in recent years. The protests highlighted tensions over Trump's political legacy and international controversies.
Security Measures Intensify
Scottish police mobilized officers from across Britain to secure Trump's stay at the Trump Turnberry resort, citing risks ranging from terrorism to public unrest. Assistant Chief Constable Emma Bond emphasized the complexity of the operation, referencing a 2023 assassination attempt on Trump as a key factor in planning. The security costs are expected to reach unprecedented levels.
Protesters Voice Multifaceted Opposition
Demonstrators held signs labeling Trump "FELON 47"—a nod to his recent criminal conviction—and displayed images linking him to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. At Aberdeen's William Wallace statue, Scottish Green co-leader Patrick Harvie joined climate activists and minority rights advocates in condemning Trump's policies. Some protesters also raised placards addressing the Gaza humanitarian crisis, broadening the scope of dissent.
Organizers Decry "Image Cleansing"
Kirsty Haigh of the Scotland Against Trump alliance accused the former president of using his Scottish properties to rehabilitate his public image. "We reject his politics of division," she told local media, noting that activists from across Britain had united for the demonstrations. The UK Stop Trump Coalition amplified the protests through viral TikTok posts, with one video caption declaring Aberdeen "filled with resistance."
