I was shocked to hear that 25% of Scots supported Trump over Harris in the recent US elections. Scotland has traditionally been regarded as a more left-leaning country, balancing centre-left economic policy with soft nationalist rhetoric.
How could a supposed bastion of the centre left be the most pro Trump country in Western Europe? I believe it boils down to two distinct reasons. Firstly, a lack of understanding of his policies. Secondly, Scots own disillusionment with the economy. This has lead to an upsurge of support for Trump’s nativism over a candidate without a robust economic offering for the working class, focusing largely on identity politics.
Trump has always been a prominent figure in Scotland, with him looking to open a second golf course in Aberdeenshire next year. He calls Scotland his ‘home’ and many Scots admire him for investing in the country. One Scot, Kieon Lategam-Urquhart, stated that he supported Trump as he is a ‘strong believer in investing in your future’. He believes Trump is the best candidate for economic security. However, this is a misreading. How can someone be so passionate about a better future when that future only benefits the wealthy? Trump’s tariff reform proposals will likely drive inflation while his extensive tax cuts will reduce the reach of the state.
This mentality may have developed as a result of Scotland’s own economic decline. With rising poverty and a lack of support from the British Government, a feeling of helplessness can arise. A candidate such as Trump – who promises economic nationalism in the supposed interests of the working class – becomes highly appealing. His promises to make America prosper might lead Scots to wish for a similar figure who would supposedly prioritise economics that benefits working people.
However, this fails to explain why such a liberal country is in support for a candidate who fails to promote social justice. A whopping 93% of Scots are in favour of abortion rights in January 2024 which shockingly contrasts Trumps plans to restrict abortion access.
I believe many Scots support Trump as they fall into the populist trap of having faith in false promises when they have been failed by the establishment. Scotland’s support for Trump might be a temporary shift, reflecting a state of disillusionment rather than a permanent alignment with his policies, but it begs the question of whether economic hardship can lead people to temporarily set aside their morality.
Illustration by Violet SK