The Scotsman, Scotland's national newspaper, mocked former President Donald Trump in a scathing editorial after he bizarrely called Scotland "home" as he arrived in the country to open a new golf course situated at his resort close to Aberdeen.
Trump and his son Eric were welcomed by two pipers, a red carpet, and a 10-vehicle motorcade upon landing at Aberdeen International Airport from his private jet with an American flag painted on the tailfin.
Trump expressed his delight at being back "home" in Scotland, the birthplace of his late mother, Mary, who was born on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides before immigrating to the United States.
You can hear what Trump said in the video below.
But Trump's remark was harshly criticized by The Scotsman, which published the following short editorial:
"So while the populist Trump does not appear to be a fan of the ideals expressed in the phrase ‘mi casa, su casa’, he seems to be in favour of what could be described as ‘mama casa, mi casa’, which some might think a bit rich coming from a US president infamous for separating children from their migrant parents."
"Clearly, in normal circumstances, the arrival of a former American leader would have been cause for much celebration. However, given Trump’s attempts to overturn the presidential election result and his supporters storming of the US Capitol in a shocking attack on democracy, one wonders just who did arrange for the red carpet and two pipers that greeted him on arrival."
"Of course, it would be completely ridiculous to imagine that Trump would set up such a welcome for himself, but then again he is more than a little ridiculous."
"He is also facing an array of legal troubles. Trump has denied falsifying business records in an ongoing criminal case, while yesterday former Elle magazine advice columnist E Jean Carroll was giving evidence in a New York court, where she is suing him for defamation after he called her allegation that he raped her in the mid-1990s 'a hoax and a lie.'"
"So those offering too wholehearted a welcome to this individual may come to regret it – even more than they currently should."
Many have echoed the newspaper's remarks and criticized Trump's arrival in the country.
Trump's visit to Scotland comes amid the ongoing Manhattan civil trial over accusations that he raped former magazine columnist E. Jean Carroll in a department store dressing room in 1996.
Although he has denied the allegation, Trump has not attended the trial, which is expected to continue throughout the week.
This trip marks Trump's first overseas visit since he became the first former U.S. president to face criminal charges, including 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, to which he pleaded not guilty in a court appearance last month.
As part of his release, he was not subjected to any travel restrictions, provided he attends all required court appearances.
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