There’s no denying that since his election last November, Donald Trump’s controversial policies have taken the world by storm and shifted global dynamics. Scotland is no exception to this development, with the Trump administration significantly shaking things up for this small country, which has long valued and relied upon its connection with the United States. But what has really changed? And does it impact the daily life of the Scottish? More importantly, how do the students at the University of Edinburgh feel about this new era of America?
Scotland’s relationship with America spans a centuries-long connection that is largely a product of Scottish immigration to the USA. Meet an American tourist meandering through Old Town, and chances are they’re on a heritage trip to reconnect with their distant Scottish ancestors. Naturally, these Scottish Americans are keen to keep in touch with their roots while at home, manifesting in an appetite for Scottish goods. In fact, the USA is Scotland’s largest international export market: annual exports have been worth over £5 billion in recent years. Trump has disrupted this trade relationship with the introduction of a 10 per cent tariff on all imports into the USA from Scotland. This move has significantly discouraged consumption of Scottish goods in the USA, particularly for companies which largely produce for export into the USA, such as Walker’s Shortbread. This tariff has put Scottish jobs at risk and threatens an economic relationship the country has long relied on.
Donald Trump himself has Scottish blood, his mother hailing from the Hebridean island of Lewis. It is therefore no surprise that he feels a connection to the country, an attachment which is demonstrated in his business and real estate ventures here. Trump owns two golf courses in Scotland, both of which are accompanied by various Trump hotels, luxury housing and other lodgings. The President’s involvement in Scotland has been met with mixed responses from locals over the years, particularly in recent months.
This July, Trump took on Scotland with his first visit here since his re-election. He came for a busy 5-day trip consisting of tending to his golf courses, opening a new one, and talking trade and other policies with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and First Minister John Sweeny. Scotland is famously a somewhat left-leaning country, with the Scottish National Party (a liberal democratic political party) having been in power for 18 years. It should come as no surprise that Trump’s conservative and right-wing views clash with the outlook of many locals. This disparity manifested in protests and public uproar against his recent visit. The Stop Trump Coalition staged protests throughout the country, to which hundreds showed up, holding banners with slogans such as “Scotland hates Trump” and various others with the same sentiment. A van displaying a photograph of Trump and Epstein together paraded around Aberdeen in a bold act of defiance. However, these demonstrations were staged away from the President’s vicinity, leaving him seemingly unfazed by the general atmosphere of discontent. Instead, Trump was greeted by a horde of determined fans who welcomed him to Scotland as he landed, showing that Scotland is not immune to the MAGA mentality.
Students at the University of Edinburgh also have a lot to say about Donald Trump, his visit, and his general presence in international affairs. Second-year student Lily was disturbed by the role Scottish citizens had to play in the president’s visit, stating that she “didn’t like how our taxes went to his visit.” While there have been no official statements regarding the cost of Trump’s visit, word has gone around that his short tour cost the UK taxpayer £14 million. Although this figure lacks official backing, people are naturally outraged at the prospect of funding a cause they have no tolerance for. Other students expressed their newfound distaste for the USA since Trump’s election, with many having let go of their dream to study abroad there. One student stated that she wouldn’t like to lose her “basic rights” while at university. This development is significant, as universities in the USA have long been among the most competitive and sought-after exchange destinations for Edinburgh students.
Trump has undeniably captured Scotland’s attention and unsettled the country. While some may view him as merely a distant figurehead of another nation, his policies still penetrate the daily lives and attitudes of people far beyond the United States. No one can predict the developments that the next three years of the Trump administration will bring to Scotland, but his presence should certainly not be taken lightly, as Trump is clearly here to stay and determined to shake things up.
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