Environmental activists from Greenpeace have conducted a symbolic renewable energy demonstration at Donald Trump's prestigious golf resort in Scotland, installing a mock wind farm on the course to protest the former US president's continued support for fossil fuel extraction.
Direct Action at Turnberry
Three Greenpeace campaigners arrived at Trump Turnberry Golf Club in South Ayrshire at approximately 6:30am on Monday morning, where they installed six small replica wind turbines on the fourth hole green. The activists carefully removed the turbine models as golfers approached the area, ensuring that regular play was not disrupted during their demonstration.
Response to Trump's Energy Stance
The protest was organized as a direct response to Donald Trump's well-documented opposition to wind power and his vocal advocacy for increased oil and gas extraction. This action follows a recent post by Mr Trump on his Truth Social platform, where he called for expanded drilling operations in the North Sea region.
In his social media statement, Trump wrote: "Aberdeen should be booming. Norway sells its North Sea Oil to the U.K. at double the price. They are making a fortune. U.K., which is better situated on the North Sea for purposes of energy than Norway, should, DRILL, BABY, DRILL!!! It is absolutely crazy that they don't... AND, NO MORE WINDMILLS!"
Public Opinion and Climate Concerns
According to Greenpeace research, approximately 65 percent of Scottish residents do not support Mr Trump's call for additional oil and gas energy development, instead favoring renewable energy alternatives. The organization argues that transitioning to clean energy sources represents both an economic and environmental imperative.
Campaigner's Statement
Lily-Rose Ellis, a climate campaigner with Greenpeace, provided a detailed explanation of the protest's purpose: "Donald Trump wants to keep us as lifetime members of his Gulf Club, where every time he starts an illegal war, bills go through the roof while his fossil fuel backers make billions."
"But we don't need to stay stuck in his sand trap – the renewables Trump hates are the best insurance policy against the chaos he's unleashed. Wind and solar farms built since the start of the Ukraine war have saved us seven million pounds every day since Trump attacked Iran and drove gas prices back up again."
"More clean energy that doesn't rely on the Strait of Hormuz or Russian pipelines can save us money, boost our security and tackle climate change. It's a hole in one."
Historical Opposition to Wind Energy
The former US president has maintained a longstanding opposition to wind turbines, particularly offshore wind energy developments. During his presidency, Trump launched a significant battle with the Scottish Government to prevent a wind farm project that would have been visible from his Aberdeenshire golf course, demonstrating his consistent resistance to renewable energy infrastructure.
Trump Turnberry management has been approached for comment regarding Monday's demonstration, but no official response has been issued at this time. The protest represents the latest chapter in the ongoing tension between environmental campaigners and the former president's energy policies, highlighting the broader debate about fossil fuels versus renewable alternatives in addressing climate change concerns.
