Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Trump’s Scottish golf resort vandalized with red paint and course dug up over his plan ‘to ethnically cleanse Gaza’

Activists sprayed red paint across clubhouse, dug up greens and daubed slogans on walls

Oliver O'Connell
in New York
Saturday 08 March 2025 18:05 GMT
Comments
Trump's Scotland golf resort vandalised after he calls Gaza a 'big real estate site'

Donald Trump’s Turnberry golf resort in Scotland has been vandalized by activists in response to his recent statements on Gaza.

The golf course in South Ayrshire, owned by the president, was targeted overnight on Friday, with activists painting “Gaza Is Not 4 Sale” in almost 10-foot-high letters on the lawn and damaging the greens, including the course’s most prestigious hole, used in Open Championships.

Red spray paint was used to deface the clubhouse at the 800-acre resort.

Palestine Action described it as a “direct response to the U.S. administration’s stated intent to ethnically cleanse Gaza.”

Trump’s recent comments include plans to “clean out the whole thing” and to turn the territory into the “Riviera of the Middle East.”

There was further outrage when the president posted an AI video on Truth Social, advertising his plans for the territory, which included himself and Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, shirtless, drinking at the “Trump Gaza” resort.

Turnberry, which has been vandalized by activists in response to the U.S. president's statements on Gaza
Turnberry, which has been vandalized by activists in response to the U.S. president's statements on Gaza (Milo Chandler/PA Wire)

The creator of the AI video, which shows a gold balloon shaped like Mr Trump’s head in a satire inspired by comparing the Las Vegas Strip with the Gaza Strip, has since spoken out, revealing it was a joke and there were concerns it might offend the White House.

Trump’s rhetoric escalated this week when he sent a message to the two million Palestinians who call the territory home on his Truth Social platform, writing: “To the People of Gaza: A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do​​​​​​​, you are dead.”

The Trump administration recently signed off on the shipment of 40,000 bombs to Israel.

A spokesperson from Palestine Action said: “Palestine Action rejects Donald Trump’s treatment of Gaza as though it were his property to dispose of as he likes.

Red spray paint was used to deface the clubhouse at the 800-acre resort on Friday night
Red spray paint was used to deface the clubhouse at the 800-acre resort on Friday night (Milo Chandler/PA Wire)

“To make that clear, we have shown him that his own property is not safe from acts of resistance.

“We will continue to take action against U.S.-Israeli colonialism in the Palestinian homeland.”

On X, the group wrote: “The most expensive golf course in Britain, Trump's Turnberry golf resort, got a visit by Palestine Action.

“No longer can ordinary people sit by whilst the American administration arms Israel and makes plans to ethnically cleanse Gaza. Palestine belongs to Palestinians.”

Another post reads: “Whilst Trump attempts to treat Gaza as his property, he should know his own property is within reach.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “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.

“Inquiries are ongoing and anyone with any information is asked to contact local police.”

Palestine Action described it as a 'direct response to the US administration's stated intent to ethnically cleanse Gaza'. Activists damaged the greens, including the course's most prestigious hole, used in Open Championships
Palestine Action described it as a 'direct response to the US administration's stated intent to ethnically cleanse Gaza'. Activists damaged the greens, including the course's most prestigious hole, used in Open Championships (Milo Chandler/PA Wire)

A spokesman for Trump Turnberry said: “This was a childish, criminal act but the incredible team at Trump Turnberry will ensure it does not impact business.

“Turnberry is a national treasure and will continue to be the number one beacon of luxury and excellence in the world of golf.”

Previous acts of vandalism targeting the president include his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame being destroyed with a pickaxe and defaced with swastikas, spray paint and dog excrement.

With reporting from the Press Association

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in