Protesters Deface Donald Trump Luxury Resorts
President Donald J. Trump in Doonbeg, Ireland, 2019. Photo courtesy of The White House. Public domain.
President Donald Trump's luxury golf courses have become unlikely battlegrounds in a growing wave of political protest. Pro-Palestinian activists have targeted multiple Trump properties, including his Doonbeg course in Ireland and Turnberry resort in Scotland. Vandals dug up greens, planted Palestinian flags, and defaced property, turning these high-profile locations into symbols of activism and criminal action.
Doonbeg Golf Course Vandalized in Overnight Attack
On March 13, 2025, vandals damaged Trump's Doonbeg golf course in Ireland, tearing up sections of the putting greens and planting Palestinian flags. According to The Irish Times, authorities labeled the act as "childish" and "criminal" and launched an investigation, suspecting at least three individuals were involved.
The entrance to the Trump International Golf Links and Hotel., 2018. Photo by Whoisjohngalt under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Along with the physical damage, pro-Palestinian graffiti critical of the U.S. president was discovered on the property. While the vandalism was limited to the course, its political nature has drawn widespread attention. The timing coincided with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin's visit to the White House for St. Patrick's Day celebrations with Trump.
A Trump Doonbeg spokesperson condemned the vandalism but assured that operations would continue without disruption. "This was a childish, criminal act, but the incredible team at Trump Doonbeg will ensure it does not impact business," they stated to The Irish Times. "We have the greatest course anywhere in the world and we are so proud of the tremendous success and we look forward to a great season ahead."
A Trend of Targeting Trump's Properties
On March 8, Trump's Turnberry resort in Scotland was vandalized, with "Gaza is not 4 sale" painted across the lawn and red paint splattered on buildings and floors, according to The Irish Times. Palestine Action claimed responsibility for the incident, stating it was a response to what it described as Trump's plans "to destroy, ethnically cleanse, and 'take over' the Palestinian Gaza Strip," according to Newsweek.
A Statement, But Not Responsibility
Palestine Action addressed the Doonbeg vandalism on X, formerly Twitter, but did not claim responsibility. The group shared a post stating, "An anonymous group targeted Trump's Doonbeg golf course in Ireland. They dug up the greens and left Palestinian flags across the course. As we said: While Trump attempts to treat Gaza as his property, he should know his own property is within reach," according to Newsweek.
Ongoing Investigations and Calls for Witnesses
Trump and his organization did not immediately release an official statement, but investigations into the perpetrators are ongoing. Police in Scotland arrested a 33-year-old man on March 13 in connection with the Turnberry vandalism, though he was later released pending further investigation.
The recent attacks underscore the link between political activism and high-profile targets. Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the vandalism in Ireland or Scotland to come forward.
References: 'A childish, criminal act': Greens dug up and Palestinian flags planted at Trump’s Doonbeg golf course | Donald Trump Golf Courses Vandalized
