As former U.S. President Donald Trump aggressively promotes a controversial plan for Gaza, pro-Palestinian activists have taken action against his Turnberry golf resort in Scotland. The members of the activist group Palestine Action vandalized parts of the resort and later shared images of their protest on social media. The demonstrators splattered red paint across the building at the Ayrshire course.
One of the most striking forms of vandalism included the message “Gaza is not for sale”, which protesters spray-painted on the resort’s exterior. Additionally, circulating images showed damaged lamp posts on the property, which the Trump Organization officially owns. A spokesperson for Trump condemned the act, calling it a “childish, criminal act.”
Scotland Police Launch Investigation as Protesters Defend Their Actions
In response, Scotland Police have launched an investigation. Meanwhile, Palestine Action defended the protest, arguing that Trump treats Gaza as his personal asset. In a strong statement, the group declared: “Donald Trump’s treatment of Gaza as though it were his property to dispose of as he likes… To make that clear, we have shown him that his property is not safe from acts of resistance.”
Trump’s Turnberry Golf Resort: A Prestigious Property
Trump purchased Turnberry Golf Resort in 2014 and has since invested heavily in renovations. The resort features three golf courses, including two 18-hole courses and a smaller nine-hole course. Recognized as one of the world’s top five golf destinations, Turnberry has hosted The Open Championship four times. Most notably, in 1977, it became the site of the legendary “Duel in the Sun”, where Tom Watson defeated Jack Nicklaus.
Trump’s Controversial Stance on Gaza Sparks Outrage
The protest comes amid growing backlash against Trump’s proposal for Gaza. The former president recently suggested that the United States should take control of Gaza and relocate 2 million Palestinians from the region. Speaking at a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump stated: “The US will take over the Gaza Strip and we will do a job with it too.”
Netanyahu welcomed the idea, calling it “worth paying attention to”. However, Trump’s demand that neighboring Arab nations accept displaced Palestinians sparked widespread rejection across the Middle East.
Making matters worse, Trump posted an AI-generated video depicting what Gaza might look like under U.S. rule, further intensifying the backlash.
Trump’s Expanding Golf Empire in Scotland
Turnberry is not Trump’s only golf resort in Scotland. In 2012, he acquired Trump International Golf Links near Aberdeen after years of public controversy.