Donald Trump’s brief sojourn to Scotland Friday was meant to tout a newly re-opened golf course in the country for his eponymous hotel chain. But a British comedian handed out swastika golf balls that sent an entirely different message.
Lee Nelson broke into Donald Trump’s Turnberry resort dressed as an employee, complete with a pullover with the Trump hotel logo and tie. Shortly before Trump’s news conference began, Nelson began handing out red and white golf balls emblazoned with the Nazi swastika, claiming they were part of Trump’s new resort.
“These are the new balls available from the clubhouse as part of the new Trump Turnberry range. I forgot to hand them out before,” Nelson said according to Gawker, holding up the balls with the swastikas clearly visible. “I’m very sorry, Mr. Trump. And thank you. I apologize.”
Security guards quickly escorted Nelson away, but not before several of the balls had scattered on the grass around Trump’s podium, the Daily Mirror reported.
Trump aides began using what appeared to be the candidate’s trademark “Make America Great Again” hats to gather up the balls scattered in front of the podium, but Trump began addressing the press before they could all be cleared away.
Trump gave most of his press conference in Scotland surrounded by these Nazi golf balls pic.twitter.com/UsUoVK3nkW
— Naomi O'Leary ⚡️ (@NaomiOhReally) June 24, 2016
The comedian later shared a video of his attempt to hand out the golf balls, apologizing to “Mr. Trump” for “the delay giving out the balls you ordered”:
Sorry for the delay giving out the balls you ordered Mr Trump... pic.twitter.com/7FIem5Npsl
— Lee Nelson (@RealLeeNelson) June 24, 2016
Nelson, whose real name is Simon Brodkin, is a regular prankster of the rich and famous. In July 2015, Nelson accosted former FIFA president Sepp Blatter during a press conference and showered him with fake dollar bills, joking, “This is for North Korea in 2026."
Blatter, who had been accused of corruption and ethics violations, was suspended from his position a few months later amid a money laundering and bribery investigation.
Trump, whose heated rhetoric has prompted comparisons to the Nazi regime, did not reference the prank during his press conference. But later in the day, Trump referenced the Germans while discussing Britain’s decision to leave the European Union.
Trump suggested the E.U. might fracture entirely, and said he had German friends who were “thinking about moving” after the Brexit vote.
“I have a lot of friends in Germany who have always been really proud Germans to a level you wouldn't believe,” he said.
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