US President Donald Trump’s prestigious Turnberry golf resort in Scotland has fallen victim to a wave of protest-related vandalism. The activists, who identify with the Palestine Action group, spray-painted ‘GAZA IS NOT 4 SALE’ in large white letters across the resort’s lawn. Additionally, they damaged the greens and splashed blood-red paint over the luxury clubhouse during the early hours of Saturday morning.
The Palestine Action group described this act as a direct response to the US administration’s purported intent to ethnically cleanse Gaza. Trump had sparked significant outrage last month by suggesting that the US could ’take over’ Gaza, transforming it into the ‘Riviera of the Middle East,’ while displacing its Palestinian inhabitants to Egypt or Jordan.
The activists referenced an AI-generated video shared by Trump online recently, which depicted the demolished Palestinian territory being rebuilt as a Trump-branded seaside resort. One scene showed Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu enjoying cocktails in swimsuits by a pool. ‘Whilst Trump attempts to treat Gaza as his property, he should know his own property is within reach,’ Palestine Action stated on social media.
Police Scotland confirmed that they are investigating the incident after receiving a report of damage around 0440 GMT on Saturday. Earlier in the week, the United States approved the sale of over $3 billion in munitions, bulldozers, and related equipment to Israel, which has utilized American-made weapons with devastating effect in Gaza.
Turnberry, located in southwest Scotland, is one of two resorts Trump owns in his mother’s ancestral homeland. A spokesperson for Trump Turnberry described the vandalism as a ‘childish, criminal act’ but emphasized that the resort’s outstanding team would ensure it does not impact business operations. ‘This incredible property remains a national treasure and will continue to be the pinnacle of luxury and excellence in the world of golf,’ the spokesperson added.