In Tong, a village on the Isle of Lewis, residents are expressing disappointment with former President Donald Trump for allegedly not giving back to the community where his mother and sister have contributed significantly. Locals claim that Trump, who rarely visits Scotland, has not made any donations to Tong unlike his older sister Maryanne Trump Barry and mother Mary Anne McLeod Trump. Mary and Maryanne were known for their philanthropic efforts in the community, with Mary donating towards building a village hall in the 1970s and Maryanne contributing £155,000 towards a care home and Bethesda hospice.
Carol Somerville, the chief executive of Bethesda Hospice, shared that Maryanne wanted to create a tangible impact in memory of her mother without seeking publicity. Locals feel that Trump is capitalising on his family’s name and the goodwill they’ve shown to the community without making any significant contributions himself. Despite boasting about his Scottish heritage, Trump has only visited Tong twice, the last time being in 2008 when he landed at Stornoway airport in a plane emblazoned with “TRUMP”.
Some residents, like Derick Mackenzie, founder of the ‘Isle of Lewis Supports President Trump’ Facebook page, believe that Trump’s brief visits to Tong are reflective of his celebrity lifestyle that doesn’t align with the quiet community. Trump’s mother, Mary, left the Isle of Lewis to pursue the American dream in New York, transforming from a worker on the land to a wealthy socialite. The islanders recall Mary’s visits back to the Isle of Lewis with fondness, describing her as glamorous and affluent.
Trump’s announcement of a new golf course in Aberdeenshire named after his mother, the MacLeod course, has stirred mixed reactions among locals. While some defend Trump’s limited engagement with Tong, others express disappointment in his perceived lack of generosity towards the community that holds historical significance in his family’s story.
In conclusion, the story of Donald Trump’s connection to Tong, Isle of Lewis, sheds light on the complexities of heritage, privilege, and community ties. It prompts reflection on the responsibilities of individuals, especially those in positions of power and influence, towards the places and people connected to their personal history.