A retired professor from Cape Breton says he thought local researchers were âpulling his legâ when they told him he is a blood relative of U.S. presidential hopeful Donald Trump.
Correction: ŰÎŰ´ŤĂ˝ has learned that this was an April Foolâs Day prank. We regret the error.
History students from Cape Breton University discovered that Greg MacLeod -- a retired business professor -- is distant cousins with the reality TV star- and businessman-turned-politician.
âI couldnât believe it,â MacLeod said.
MacLeod is a member of the MacLeod Clan from Tong, Scotland, in the Hebrides islands. So was Trumpâs mother, Mary MacLeod, who emigrated to New York after meeting Donald Trumpâs father, Fred Trump, in the 1930s.
MacLeod said he and Trump are third cousins, three times removed.
The professor, who devoted his career to âalternative business structures based on humanistic principles,â said Trump doesnât display typical MacLeod characteristics.
The clan members are âknown for being open and democratic and accepting of people of all races and religions,â he said. During his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination, Trump has become known for wanting to take a hardline against Muslims and has been accused of making racist remarks about Mexicans.
Itâs not the only connection between Trump and the Nova Scotia island. Last month, a website called âCape Breton If Donald Trump Winsâ garnered international attention for encouraging Americans fleeing a Trump presidency to consider settling there.
With a report from CTV Atlanticâs Ryan MacDonald