Pro-Palestine Activists Vandalize Trump’s Turnberry Golf Resort in Scotland
Donald Trump’s prestigious Turnberry golf resort in Scotland became the target of pro-Palestine activists who defaced the property with graffiti and damaged one of its fairways overnight Friday. The group, known as Palestine Action, claimed responsibility for the incident, citing Trump’s controversial proposals regarding the future of Gaza as their motivation. The vandalism included the spraying of red paint on the clubhouse, the painting of slogans such as "Gaza Is Not For Sale" and "Free Gaza" on various surfaces, and the digging of holes in at least one of the golf courses.
Drone footage captured the extent of the damage, revealing the clubhouse marred by splatters of red paint. Large white letters spelling out "Gaza Is Not For Sale" were prominently displayed on an area adjacent to a green, sending a clear message of protest against Trump’s perceived plans for the region. Additionally, the lamp post at the resort’s entrance suffered damage, and the walls were adorned with graffiti demanding "Free Gaza" and "Free Palestine," further solidifying the activists’ stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Palestine Action issued a statement asserting their responsibility for the vandalism, directly linking their actions to Trump’s proposals concerning Gaza. "To make that clear, we have shown him that his own property is not safe from acts of resistance," the group declared. This statement underscores the group’s intent to directly confront Trump with their opposition to his views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and his suggested plans for Gaza.
The incident follows heavy criticism leveled against Trump last month when he suggested the U.S. should take over Gaza during a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. His proposal envisioned the relocation of Palestinians and the transformation of the enclave into what he described as the "Riviera of the Middle East." This suggestion sparked widespread condemnation from various quarters, including the U.S., Israel, and even some European nations. Critics viewed the proposal as unrealistic, insensitive to the plight of Palestinians, and potentially a violation of international law.
The Turnberry golf course and hotel, located in southwest Scotland, is a renowned destination boasting three courses – two 18-hole courses and one 9-hole course. The venue has a rich history, having hosted the Open Championship four times. However, it has not been selected to stage the prestigious event since Trump acquired the course in 2014 and subsequently renovated several holes. The renovations, while intended to enhance the course’s appeal, have not been universally welcomed, with some critics arguing that they altered the character of the historic links.
While the exact course that was vandalized remains unclear, Palestine Action identified the Alisa Course, the resort’s signature course, as being affected. The Alisa Course, named after the volcanic island of Ailsa Craig, is consistently ranked among the world’s top golf courses. Palestine Action highlighted the course’s prestigious ranking, noting that it was recently ranked as the third best golf course in Europe. "Yesterday, it was ranked #3 golf course in Europe. Today, it’s shut," the group wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, emphasizing the disruption caused by their actions.
The resort is one of two that Trump, through the Trump Organization, operates in Scotland. The second is Trump International Scotland in Aberdeen. Trump’s connection to Scotland extends beyond his business interests, as his mother hailed from the country. He is also an avid golfer and frequently visits his Scottish golf courses.
Police Scotland confirmed that they are investigating the incident. "Around 4.40 a.m. on Saturday, 8 March, 2025, we received a report of damage to the golf course and a premises on Maidens Road, Turnberry," a Police Scotland spokesperson said, adding that investigations were ongoing. Authorities are working to identify and apprehend the individuals responsible for the vandalism.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Trump Organization for comment, but no statement has been issued at this time. The Trump Organization is likely assessing the extent of the damage and considering its response to the incident.
Separately on Saturday, a man waving a Palestinian flag climbed the Elizabeth Tower, commonly known as Big Ben, at London’s Palace of Westminster. While this incident is not directly related to the Turnberry vandalism, it highlights the growing visibility and intensity of pro-Palestine activism in the United Kingdom and elsewhere. These acts of protest suggest a rising tide of discontent with current policies related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and a willingness to engage in disruptive actions to raise awareness and exert pressure on decision-makers.
The vandalism at Trump’s Turnberry golf resort serves as a stark reminder of the deeply divisive nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the potent emotions it evokes. It also demonstrates the lengths to which some activists are willing to go to express their views and challenge those they believe are contributing to the suffering of Palestinians. The incident is likely to further fuel the debate surrounding Trump’s stance on the conflict and his controversial proposals for the future of Gaza. The long-term implications of the vandalism on Trump’s business interests in Scotland remain to be seen.
