By Fred Byrne and Emily Reid
Aberdeen students have spoken out as the US President arrives in Scotland for a four-day visit, where he is due to meet Starmer in Aberdeen.
84% of Aberdeen students say that Donald Trump is not welcome, according to The Gaudie’s poll of 184 respondents, with students responding that Trump is “fascist” and a “f***ing c***”.
Protesters will gather tomorrow (Saturday) at 12 noon by the William Wallace Statue at Union Terrace, Aberdeen. Led by the Stop Trump Coalition, the demonstration will see climate, disabled, and LGBTQ+ activists speak alongside union leaders and supporters of Ukraine and Palestine.
Student President Christina Schmid said that she was “deeply concerned” by Trump’s visit, “particularly when universities including Harvard are being targeted for fostering critical thought.”
Christina added that Trump represents “the kind of politics we reject” asserting “our campus and city deserve better.” The Students’ Union leader challenged Trump’s values:
“Trump’s track record and policies are a threat to our inclusive student community built on values of equality, respect, and welcoming students of all backgrounds, cultures and nationalities.”
Police Scotland say they are prepared for a complex operation amid concerns of understaffing. Students have seen uniformed officers arriving in police vans to stay at Hillhead Student Village.
Nour Elshenaway, The Gaudie Editor in Chief, shared:
“Trump’s legacy in Aberdeen is marked by broken promises, environmental damages, and a deep sense of local resentment, making his return far from welcome. He promised thousands of jobs when he built his first golf course in Aberdeenshire, but the reality has fallen far short. Locals were sold a dream that never came true.”
A history student from the US told us they “fled America to escape Trump” and is upset by Trump’s trip to Aberdeen.
Some students were hesitant to share comments with The Gaudie, citing concerns about their ability to enter the USA.
An undergraduate chemistry student shared:
“He is a racist, homophobic, transphobic bigot, rapist and the instigator of an attempted coup against American democracy.”
Donald Trump has been found liable for sexually abusing and defaming E. Jean Carroll, and has shown support for insurrectionists who broke into the US Capitol after his 2020 election loss.
“He is a horrible human being who has used illegal measures to separate families and treat certain immigrants as second-class citizens” continued the chemistry student, referencing the Trump Administration’s defiance of court orders and deportation of individuals without due process.
However, not all students stand against Trump, with 9% of students saying he is welcome.
Politics and International Relations student Soham shared:
“As leader of our closest ally, Trump is most certainly welcome to Aberdeen and should be welcomed with great dignity keeping with the spirit of our great Scottish hospitality. After all, he is the democratically elected President of the most powerful nation on earth, who are we to decide whether the President should be welcomed to Britain or his own property?”
On his visit, Trump is expected to open his second Aberdeenshire golf course named after his mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, who was born on the Isle of Lewis. This week, a sign reading “twinned with Epstein island” was placed by the golf course entrance.
Sarith, an Economics student, said: “Mr. Trump’s visit and continued investment in left-behind parts of Scotland is welcome.”
Aberdeen University Conservatives shared a statement in favour of Trump’s support for fossil fuels:
“The UK Government must make clear that we cannot afford to abandon oil and gas without a credible transition plan. Doing so puts jobs, energy security, and our economic stability at risk. We urge Keir Starmer to listen to the people of the North East and not repeat the mistakes of the SNP-Green coalition, whose hostility to oil and gas has already hurt investment and confidence in this region.”
In a recent BBC interview, Trump urged Scotland to “get rid of the windmills.” Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce has called on the US president to persuade Starmer to ditch a 78% tax on energy profits.
Back in the US, Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’, passed on July 4th, repeals several of the Biden administration’s clean energy initiatives, increasing subsidies to the oil and gas industry. According to the Centre for American Progress, the act repeals lifesaving incentives for better weather resilience, energy efficiency, and air quality.
Zoology student Cerys said, “Trump has shown a complete disregard for wildlife conservation and protection efforts.”
Meanwhile, Lucas Smith Grant of Aberdeen Socialist Students shared:
“As a city suffering from eroded public services, a lack of affordable housing, a failing local economy, and insufficient local health services, there are far more pressing areas where our money should be going. Trump and Starmer should be made to feel unwelcome from the moment of their arrival.”
Student President Christina Schmid sharply criticised Trump:
“From his stance on immigration to his approach to human rights and climate, the impact of his politics has been felt through rising division, fear, and hostility not just in the US, but globally.”
“Trump’s attitude towards higher education, and his role in fuelling anti-intellectualism, is a direct threat to the kind of environment students need to thrive.
“At a time of ongoing mass deportations and increasing hostility toward marginalised communities, we must be clear: we stand for anti-racism, for democracy, and for a society where no one is made to feel unsafe or unwelcome.”
The Stop Trump Coalition call on the Scottish First Minister John Swinney and British PM Keir Starmer, who are due to meet the US President, to “stand up to Trumpism.”
Campaigners urged people to attend protests, planned in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dumfries and at Trump’s golf courses: “We call on everyone to join us and protest Trump, his politics and his ushering of a global far right. We gather to call for real democracy, for climate action, and for just peace.”
