When Power Visits the People: Protests, Trump, and the Meaning Behind the Noise
Sometimes the noise isn’t just about dissent—it’s about people demanding to be seen. I sat down recently to reflect on the reports coming out of Scotland, where demonstrators gathered in defiance ahead of former President Trump’s visit. What caught my attention wasn’t just who was being protested—but why. When protest erupts, there’s often more underneath than what the headlines capture. As someone who’s worn a uniform for this country and stood both in defense and in protest, I understand that truth doesn’t always scream—it marches.
Scotland’s Groundswell: Not Just a Trump Protest
The demonstrators knew exactly what they were doing. Ahead of U.S.-EU trade talks, Trump’s visit to his Scottish golf resort struck more than just political nerves—it stirred fears about influence, image, and the messages being silently broadcast beneath the surface.
For many in Europe, Trump represents more than a polarizing political figure. He symbolizes a global shift toward nationalism and a departure from long-held diplomatic norms and human rights commitments. Some demonstrators held signs that read “No to Racism, No to Trump” and “Protect Democracy.” That’s not just protest—that’s a thesis.
Let’s be clear: leaders don’t travel in a vacuum. Their presence tells narratives. A former U.S. president arriving in Europe ahead of U.S.-EU trade talks carries symbolic weight. While Trump may have no official role in current negotiations, proximity to power often matters more than position. Protesters understood that. They showed up not only to oppose a man, but to prevent the normalization of a message.
Why This Matters to All of Us
You may be wondering—Melvin, why does a protest in Scotland matter to a veteran in the U.S.? Here’s the truth: I served to uphold values that transcend borders. Justice. Equity. The right to question power. When a leader, any leader, visits a space where people feel unseen, unheard, or dismissed, they will speak up. That’s not a disruption—that’s democracy in motion.
In my own community, we’ve seen what happens when people in positions of power act as if they’re untouchable. Whether it’s a city council official ignoring our calls about housing conditions, or national figures behaving as if scrutiny is a personal insult, the root problem is the same: disconnection. That’s why I watched this protest with interest. It wasn’t just about Donald Trump—it was about the people reclaiming their right to speak into the political ether.
The Deeper Layer: Trade, Influence, and Who Profits
What the media won’t always lead with is the connection between political visits and economic agendas. Trump’s visit came just before U.S.-EU trade talks—it’s not a stretch to interpret this as a strategic move. Who benefits when controversial figures make high-profile visits before key economic decisions? What signals are sent across negotiating tables when figures associated with protectionism and isolationism tour international properties like champions of transatlantic influence?
This isn’t conspiracy—it’s pattern recognition. From my experience both in uniform and as an advocate, I’ve learned that where money and power meet, people often get left behind. The Scottish protesters saw this. You don’t need to be in a trade delegation to understand how billion-dollar decisions made behind closed doors can hurt working-class families across continents.
The Cost of Silence
It’s easy to get fatigued by constant news alerts, protest signs, and political drama. But I’ve learned in my life that silence is expensive. It costs us our justice, our voice, and sometimes, our very lives. When community members raise concerns about housing, policing, or access to health care, and are ignored, we begin to internalize a dangerous idea: that our voice doesn’t matter.
The people in Scotland showed us that the world is still watching—and willing to respond. That encourages me. Because the minute we stop challenging what doesn’t sit right in the gut, we become complicit not only in our own oppression, but in the oppression of others.
Closing Thoughts: Listen to the Noise
When demonstrators take to the streets—even oceans away—we should pay attention. Not because we always need to agree, but because that noise is feedback from the heart of democracy. It’s a pulse check.
Trump’s visit to Scotland wasn’t just a vacation stop—it was a reminder of how legacy and leadership still echo. And the protests? They were a declaration from ordinary people reminding us all that the world is watching—and it still has a lot to say.
Stay curious. Stay vocal. And remember, power is only as effective as the people who choose to believe in it.
Peace and purpose,
Melvin Coates
Veteran. Advocate. Neighbor. Truth Teller.
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**What do you think? Have recent political events stirred something in you, too? Let