The leader of the Green Party in England and Wales, Zack Polanski, has called for Donald Trump to be "kicked out" of his Scottish golf courses and for the properties to be converted into community-owned assets. Polanski made the remarks while campaigning in Glasgow alongside his Scottish Green colleagues ahead of the Holyrood election.
Speaking at a press conference, Polanski said: "It's not for me to tell Scotland what to do either but I'd really like to see Donald Trump kicked out of his golf courses. I don't think you should be able to start illegal and unpopular wars and still have golf courses. I'd love to see those golf courses brought into community ownership."
The Green leader acknowledged that the statement was a personal opinion rather than official party policy. He also criticized the notion of a "special relationship" between the UK and the Trump administration, claiming it "does not stand up to any scrutiny."
Trump owns two golf resorts in Scotland: Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeenshire and Trump Turnberry in South Ayrshire. The Menie Estate course opened in 2012, with a second 18-hole course inaugurated during Trump's private visit to Scotland last summer. Trump has said he built the Aberdeenshire course in memory of his mother, who was born in the Western Isles.
Trump International Scotland fired back at Polanski's comments. Sarah Malone, executive vice president, said: "The comments in relation to our golf courses in Scotland are frankly ludicrous and ignorant and made by a man who is an imbecile."
Polanski responded on social media, hinting at his views on Trump's spokespeople.
This is not the first time Trump has become an election issue in Scotland. Earlier this week, First Minister John Swinney declined a White House invitation to a banquet celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the US. Polanski's call for sanctions against Trump, however, did not include specific measures.
The Trump team's bombastic response was met with a deft retort from Polanski. While other parties may dismiss his position as extreme fantasy, Polanski's comments also highlighted instability within NATO—a real concern for UK and Scottish governments facing worsening economic conditions due to the conflict in Iran.
The King is set to fly to the US next week to smooth relations with a man some characterize as a modern-day George Washington rebelling against the British. But for now, Trump's pristine Scottish golf courses remain untouched by any revolutionaries.