Donald Trump: 'UK politicians should be thanking me'

Donald Trump has hit back after two high-profile Scottish snubs in the wake of his call for Muslims to be banned from entering the US. The presidential hopeful - who has made major golf investments in Scotland - was dropped as a business ambassador by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. And he has also been stripped of an honorary degree by Robert Gordon University (RGU) in Aberdeen.


Mr Trump responded: "The UK politicians should be thanking me."

And he added in a tweet: "The United Kingdom is trying hard to disguise their massive Muslim problem. Everybody is wise to what is happening. Very sad. Be honest."
The Republican also thanked the "respected columnist Katie Hopkins" for her "powerful writing on the UK's Muslim problem".
A petition calling for Mr Trump - who has cancelled a trip to Israel - to be banned from entering the UK because of his remarks has attracted more than 400,000 signatures. A rival petition saying this should not happen has had more than 10,000 signatures.

'No longer fit'
And boxing legend Muhammad Ali has said Muslims "have to stand up to those who use Islam to advance their own personal agenda". Mr Trump had been appointed as a GlobalScot ambassador by Labour's then first minister Jack McConnell in 2006.

However, a Scottish government spokeswoman said Mr Trump's "recent remarks have shown he is no longer fit to be a business ambassador for Scotland".
Mr Trump - who has developed a golf resort at Menie, north of Aberdeen - was awarded an honorary degree by RGU in 2010. But the university said Mr Trump's comments had been "wholly incompatible" with its ethos and values.

The RGU award was presented in 2010

Writing in the Press and Journal newspaper, Mr Trump said: "I have done so much for Scotland, including building Trump International Golf Links, Scotland, which has received the highest accolades, and is what many believe to be one of the greatest golf courses anywhere in the world.
"Additionally, I have made a significant investment in the redevelopment of the iconic Turnberry Resort, which will have massive ballrooms, complete room refurbishments, a new golf course and a total rebuilding of the world famous Ailsa course to the highest standards and specifications of the Royal and Ancient.

"If they - Nicola Sturgeon and RGU - were going to do this, they should have informed me prior to my major investment in this £200m development, which will totally revitalise that vast region of Scotland.

"The UK politicians should be thanking me instead of pandering to political correctness."
Mr Trump wrote that he had respect for Muslim people, and "great friendships" with many, but there was a "major problem with radicalisation". The group Aberdeen Muslims said of the RGU move: "It was a brave decision. "As a local organisation that promotes unity and equality, the fact the Donald Trump is isolating Muslims is not only racist but quite dangerous."

Source: BBC