Donald Trump has long been a magnet for controversy, frequently making headlines for his political decisions, business ventures, and larger-than-life persona. However, there was one unforgettable moment during his time in the UK that caught even the ever-composed President off guard. The scene unfolded at his own golf course in Scotland, where a comedian known for his bold pranks on public figures took Trump completely by surprise. What followed would go down as one of the most audacious stunts ever pulled on the former president—one that mixed laughter with a dose of frustration.
It all started in 2016, when Trump was in the process of re-opening his Trump Turnberry Golf Resort in Ayr, Scotland—a luxurious venue celebrated for its breathtaking views and high-end accommodations. During an event Trump himself attended, the course, typically a symbol of his opulence and control, became the stage for an unforgettable disruption. As a man who often used golf both for relaxation and entertaining influential guests, Trump was accustomed to being in command at his own resorts. But on this particular day, he was about to experience something completely unexpected.
Enter Simon Brodkin, a comedian famous for his outlandish pranks on celebrities. Under the guise of his comedic persona, “Lee Nelson,” Brodkin made a surprise appearance at the Trump event. Known for targeting high-profile figures, he saw this as the perfect moment to pull off one of his most daring stunts. With his trademark audacity, Brodkin handed Trump a set of golf balls adorned with Nazi symbols, including swastikas. The gesture was as shocking as it was provocative, designed to embarrass the President at a gathering where admiration was expected, not mockery.
The tension was immediate. As Brodkin offered the controversial gift, Trump’s reaction was one of stunned disbelief. The prank had succeeded in its goal—Trump was visibly rattled. But what happened next was even more explosive than anyone could have anticipated. Known for his fiery temperament, Trump reportedly demanded that Brodkin be “deported” and threatened legal action. Yet, Scotland’s police intervened swiftly, convincing the President to let the situation go without pursuing charges.
In an ironic twist, Brodkin later joked in an interview that the experience felt more like a “stag party” than a confrontation. After being escorted to the airport, the comedian was put on a plane back to London, with authorities humorously telling Trump’s team that Brodkin had been “deported.” Despite the absurdity of the whole ordeal, Brodkin’s prank became an iconic moment, discussed widely in the media and etched into the annals of Trump’s time in the public spotlight.
Brodkin, whose pranks had previously targeted the likes of former UK Prime Minister Theresa May, ex-FIFA President Sepp Blatter, and even Kanye West, saw the Trump stunt as a prime example of his comedic philosophy. He always aimed to push boundaries—but with some limits. In interviews, he emphasized that some figures, like Kim Jong Un or Queen Elizabeth, were beyond the reach of his humor. His goal was always to find that “sweet spot,” where the prank would land as funny without crossing the line into disaster. And with Trump, Brodkin certainly hit that mark.
While the prank was a standout moment in Brodkin’s career, it also sparked a broader conversation about the relationship between public figures and humor. Trump’s furious response revealed how little tolerance some influential individuals have for being mocked—even when the jabs come in the form of harmless comedy. The golf course incident served as a reminder that no matter how powerful or untouchable a person may seem, they can still be blindsided by something as simple as a well-placed joke.
This prank also underscored the role of satire in modern politics, where comedians like Brodkin use humor as a tool to expose the contradictions and flaws of those in power. His stunt wasn’t just about laughs; it was a moment of social commentary, challenging the authority of one of the most controversial political figures of the era. And while Trump’s team considered taking legal action, Scotland’s police wisely defused the situation before it could escalate further.
The legacy of this event lives on, shaping both Trump and Brodkin’s futures. While Trump’s political career, including his re-election bid in 2024, continues to keep him in the headlines, Brodkin’s comedic career remains as sharp and irreverent as ever. Yet the prank at Trump Turnberry remains one of the most memorable moments in both of their stories—proof of how a simple joke can ripple through the media and disrupt even the most carefully constructed public images.
For Trump, it was a humbling reminder that power and influence can be destabilized in an instant, even by the lighthearted antics of a comedian. For Brodkin, it was a testament to the enduring power of satire—how humor can take aim at the mighty, making even the untouchable pause for a moment of vulnerability. Ultimately, this incident serves as a fascinating chapter in Trump’s public life, a moment when humor collided with authority in one unforgettable way.