Should Donald Trump be banned from visiting Scotland? Readers give their views

Our readers are divided on many topics, but not so much this one...

Amid speculation Donald Trump was considering flying to Scotland following a tumultuous week in the US, we asked readers on our Facebook page whether he should be permitted to enter the UK during lockdown.

It comes after a growing number of politicians across Scotland have backed calls to bar the outgoing President from entering Scotland and the UK in the wake of recent violence in Washington DC, describing him as a “dangerous criminal”.

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Though there were some who believed Mr Trump should be allowed to visit, the overwhelming majority of our readers answered with a resounding ‘no’.

"If I can’t come home to visit my elderly parents, he sure as hell shouldn’t be allowed in,” wrote Henry Bishop.

And Josephine Fowler agreed. She said: “Nope, we are in lockdown. Ex-presidents fleeing justice and to play golf does not count as essential travel.”

"He won’t be welcomed in Scotland for sure,” said Marcella Louise Curtis, “besides Scotland is in lockdown trying to recover from the virus, they certainly don’t need another.”

While Cathy Boland emailed in to say: “The man is a dangerous narcissist individual who is also a serial liar and fantasist who has nearly incited a war in USA and he is not welcome here.”

President Donald Trump speaks in the Diplomatic Room of the White House on Thanksgiving. (Pic: Getty)President Donald Trump speaks in the Diplomatic Room of the White House on Thanksgiving. (Pic: Getty)
President Donald Trump speaks in the Diplomatic Room of the White House on Thanksgiving. (Pic: Getty)

Many of those commenting said they were from the US and strongly disagreed with the outgoing president being allowed to leave the country.

Karen Straus said: “Don’t let Trump and his politics of hate and greed pollute Scotland. Look what he has done to my country, the US.”

And Sharon Farmer said: “As much as I would like to see him leave the US permanently,the last place I would want him to go is to Scotland. Don't let him destroy beautiful places anymore.”

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Also taking to the Facebook comments was Dawna Newcomb, who said: "I’ve never seen a more compelling consensus among your Scottish readership than to keep Donald Trump out of your fair land. Good for you! Finally something you all can agree on.”

But there were those who felt Mr Trump should be allowed into the UK.

“It may help him understand the world doesn't revolve around him,” wrote John Paterson, “Scotland has a way of making you appreciate true freedom.”

And referring to Mr Trump’s Scottish heritage, Jamie Turnbull said: “He is Scottish so and his golf course and hotel does a lot for its local Scottish economy so absolutely yes he should be.”

While John Powrie said the UK would be making a “massive mistake” if it denied him entry. He said: “Why should he not be allowed as an acting serving president of the USA?”

What do you think?

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