Trump's Scotland visit derails into windmill rant and Gaza grievances: 'No one said 'thank you''
Donald Trump’s appearance alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was meant to signal progress on a potential transatlantic trade deal. Instead, the former U.S. president used the platform to launch a cascade of grievances, with topics ranging from his long-standing hatred of wind turbines to unacknowledged American aid to Gaza.
Trump veers off EU trade agenda in Scotland, ranting about windmills, Gaza aid, and political conspiracies in a fiery press appearance.
Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images
Addressing reporters at his Turnberry golf resort, Trump initially struck a diplomatic tone, claiming the United States and European Union had a “good chance” of reaching an agreement on tariffs. However, the moment quickly unraveled as he shifted to airing personal vendettas.
From his vantage point on the golf course, Trump took aim at offshore wind farms near his Scottish resort, calling them an “eyesore” and lamenting their visibility from the 18th hole. His opposition to renewable energy resurfaced in full force as he falsely claimed windmills are responsible for increased whale deaths off the U.S. coast.
He referred to reports of dead whales in the Massachusetts area, citing them as proof that wind turbines are “driving them loco.” No scientific evidence supports this claim. According to a 2023 U.S. Department of Energy report, there is “no evidence to support speculation” linking whale mortality to offshore wind development.
Trump's commentary soon expanded beyond energy policy. Asked about the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, he appeared more aggrieved by a perceived lack of appreciation than concerned with the region’s starvation crisis. “We gave $60 million two weeks ago for food to Gaza,” Trump said. “And nobody acknowledged it.”
No clear record confirms that figure. Reporting by The Guardian suggests that a controversial U.S.- and Israeli-backed group, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, recently received $30 million from the United States. The group has drawn criticism for its proximity to military operations and the sites of aid-related violence. Some officials reportedly voiced objections to the funding due to ethical and operational concerns.
Pressed further on the crisis, Trump offered little insight beyond reiterating that the U.S. had not been thanked. Meanwhile, the United Nations has described Gaza’s conditions as “catastrophic,” warning of a spiraling health emergency exacerbated by malnutrition, displacement, and ongoing conflict.
Instead of focusing on diplomatic matters, Trump returned to familiar territory, accusing Democrats of conspiracy theorizing and incompetence. Ironically, he revived his own debunked conspiracy about Barack Obama’s citizenship — the cornerstone of his initial political rise — moments before criticizing his opponents for promoting “nonsense.”
Even the topic of trade, the stated purpose of the visit, did little to anchor Trump’s remarks. When asked whether he would consider a tariff rate lower than 15 percent, his answer was unequivocal: “Better meaning lower? No.”
