Note: video can be found at the end of the article
Donald Trump is no stranger to controversy and the limelight, frequently finding himself at the center of attention for his political moves, business ventures, and public persona. However, there was one incident during his visit to the UK that left the usually composed President completely caught off guard. This unexpected moment took place at his own golf course in Scotland and involved a comedian who is known for his bold pranks on high-profile figures. What transpired that day would go down in history as one of the most memorable stunts aimed at the former president, sparking not only laughter but also frustration.
The story begins in 2016 when Trump was in the process of re-opening his Trump Turnberry Golf Resort in Ayr, Scotland. The lavish venue, renowned for its luxurious accommodations and stunning views, was hosting a high-profile event, which Trump himself attended. Known for using golf as both a pastime and a way to entertain important guests, the President regularly spent his leisure time on golf courses, many of which were owned by him. It was, therefore, a place where he felt safe and in control, surrounded by wealth and opulence. However, that day, things took a drastic turn when an unexpected guest arrived at the event.
Simon Brodkin, a comedian with a flair for the absurd, showed up at the golf resort under the persona of “Lee Nelson.” Brodkin had built a reputation for pulling pranks on celebrities and public figures, and Trump’s presence on the Scottish golf course became the perfect target for one of his most audacious stunts. Brodkin, in true comedic fashion, presented Trump with a set of golf balls that had Nazi-themed symbols, including swastikas emblazoned on them. This gesture was as shocking as it was bold, with the comedian deliberately aiming to embarrass the President at an event where he expected nothing less than admiration.
As Brodkin handed the golf balls to Trump, the tension in the room was palpable. The comedian had achieved what he set out to do—Trump was visibly taken aback by the stunt. But what followed was an escalation of the situation that neither party had likely anticipated. Trump, known for his aggressive and unapologetic response to any form of disrespect, reportedly became furious, demanding that Brodkin be “deported” from the country. According to reports, the President wanted to take legal action against the comedian, although the Scottish authorities quickly intervened.
Police Scotland, with their level-headed approach, convinced Trump not to pursue charges against Brodkin, diffusing the situation before it could escalate further. Brodkin, reflecting on the event in a later interview, humorously remarked that his encounter with the police felt more like a stag party than a tense situation. He was taken to the airport by the police and put on a plane back to London, with the authorities humorously telling Trump’s team that he had been “deported.” Despite the absurdity of the situation, Brodkin’s prank went down in history as a bold, memorable moment that was widely discussed in the media.
This wasn’t the first time Brodkin had pranked a high-profile individual. He had previously embarrassed other major figures, including former UK Prime Minister Theresa May, ex-FIFA President Sepp Blatter, and even rapper Kanye West. However, Brodkin’s perspective on pranking had a certain philosophy behind it. In interviews, he shared that while he enjoyed targeting famous individuals, there were boundaries he was not willing to cross. For example, he remarked that targeting Kim Jong Un or Queen Elizabeth would be going too far, as those figures held a certain level of untouchable status. His goal was always to find a “sweet spot,” a target that most people would find funny without creating a national disaster.
In the years since that fateful day at Trump Turnberry, the comedian has continued his work, but his prank on Trump remains one of his most memorable. It highlights not just the audacity of Brodkin’s comedic style but also the vulnerability of even the most powerful figures when faced with an unexpected challenge. The episode at the golf course perfectly encapsulates the unpredictable nature of fame, where public figures, even those as prominent as the President of the United States, are never safe from being the butt of a well-timed joke.
While Brodkin’s prank caused quite a stir at the time, it also sparked a broader conversation about public figures and their relationship with humor. Trump’s response to the incident—a mix of anger and a desire for retribution—reveals how little tolerance some public figures have for criticism, even when it comes in the form of a harmless joke. The golf course prank was, in a way, a reminder that no matter how powerful or influential a person may be, they can still be caught off guard by something as simple as a comedian’s joke.
Brodkin’s actions also underscore a broader trend in the world of political satire, where comedians and entertainers often use humor as a tool to expose the flaws and contradictions of those in power. From late-night talk shows to stand-up specials, humor has long been a means of holding public figures accountable, and Brodkin’s prank on Trump was no exception. It was a moment that blurred the line between comedy and activism, as the comedian used his platform to challenge the authority of one of the most controversial political figures of his time.
The prank at Trump Turnberry, however, was not without its consequences. Trump’s team reportedly took the prank very seriously, with some members seeking to press charges against Brodkin for his disruptive behavior. While the Scottish authorities ultimately decided not to pursue legal action, the incident left an indelible mark on both Trump’s reputation and Brodkin’s career. For Trump, it was a reminder that no matter how much power one holds, there are always those who will attempt to destabilize that power with humor. For Brodkin, it was a testament to the effectiveness of satire and the enduring power of comedy to unsettle even the most untouchable figures.
In the years since the event, both Trump and Brodkin have continued to capture the public’s attention in their respective spheres. Trump’s presidency, his re-election in 2024, and his ongoing political influence have kept him in the public eye. Meanwhile, Brodkin’s comedic career has flourished, with his pranks and sharp wit remaining a hallmark of his persona. Yet, the memory of the golf course incident remains a defining moment in their shared history, a reminder of how a simple joke can turn into a global conversation.
As for the legacy of the prank, it continues to serve as a fascinating chapter in the story of Donald Trump’s time in the public spotlight. The stunt at Trump Turnberry was more than just a moment of embarrassment for the President; it was a reflection of the unpredictable nature of public life, where power, humor, and the unexpected often collide. In the end, it was a moment that left both the comedian and the President with something to remember, each handling the aftermath in their own unique way. Whether viewed as a humorous interruption or a serious challenge to authority, Brodkin’s prank at the golf course will undoubtedly remain one of the most memorable moments of Trump’s presidency—and a perfect example of how humor can disrupt even the most carefully crafted public personas.
