Donald Trump’s political decisions have been the center of attention since his re-election in November 2024. His approach to tariffs impacting almost all countries and his administration’s way of managing immigration have stirred considerable debate.
Outside the political arena, Trump, at the age of 78, often finds solace on the lush greens of the golf courses he owns. Known for his swift play style and a consistent single-digit handicap, he enjoys a solid, long drive.
Back in 2016, during the re-opening ceremony of the Trump Turnberry golf resort, a humorous yet infamous incident occurred. Simon Brodkin, a well-known comedian and prankster who often embodies his character, Lee Nelson, brought unexpected drama to the event.
Just as Trump was beginning his speech, Brodkin threw golf balls adorned with swastikas in Trump’s direction, loudly proclaiming, “Donald, here are the balls you ordered.”
In a seemingly apologetic tone, Brodkin shouted, “I’m very sorry Mr. Trump, and thank you. I apologise. My bad.” His theatrics, however, led to the intervention of the Scottish police who promptly detained him.
With a bit of persuasion from the local officers, Trump decided against pressing charges. Brodkin later expressed his gratitude towards the Scottish police stating, “I do have a criminal record, but also a lot to thank the Scottish police for – they were brilliant,” as quoted by The Scottish Sun.
Simon Brodkin remarked that Trump “wanted to throw the book at him.”
Jokingly reflecting on the incident, Brodkin said, “Who wants to get waterboarded by the CIA when you can have an Irn Bru in the back of a police van?”
He shared memories of a light-hearted time spent with the Scottish officers, saying, “I was in there for ages with the coppers, and it felt more like I was on a stag do than anything else. They drove me to the airport and put me on a plane back to London and told Trump and his team I was deported.”
Brodkin, famed for his audacious pranks, has had quite a few memorable moments, such as joining the Manchester City team during a warm-up, for which he was arrested, interrupting Kanye West’s performance at Glastonbury in 2015, and tossing $600 at FIFA President Sepp Blatter claiming it was for North Korea’s World Cup bid.
In a conversation with Sky in 2019, Brodkin mentioned, “There are many targets who would be fun to go for but might end up with a death sentence, like if I went for Kim Jong Un.
“And then I think if you go for someone like the Queen, that would just be a national catastrophe because you need to go for people with that sweet spot who most people pat you on the back and say, ‘that was funny.’”
The story of Brodkin’s flamboyant exploits remains a charming reminder of the comedic world’s ability to challenge even the highest echelons of power, all in good humor.
