Scotland’s First Minister Congratulates Trump After Previously Endorsing Harris

Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, has extended his congratulations to Donald Trump following his triumph in the US presidential election. The leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) had previously voiced support for the Democratic candidate, Kamala Harris—a move that Trump’s Scottish business interests characterized as an “insult.” However, with the former president poised to return to the White House, Swinney affirmed Scotland’s shared “economic, social and cultural” connections with the United States. He also indicated his willingness to meet with Trump, stating he would be “happy” to do so should Trump visit Scotland. The president-elect, whose company owns two golf courses in Scotland, has Scottish heritage, being half Scottish through his mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, who was born and grew up on the Isle of Lewis. Speaking to BBC Scotland News, Swinney remarked: “It’s important that we take forward the economic, social and cultural ties that exist between Scotland and the United States. “And in so doing Scotland will assert the importance that we attach to the values of freedom and democracy, which are underpinning values to the United States and underpinning values to Scotland.” The First Minister stated that a visit by Trump to Scotland would necessitate a meeting, which he would undertake as his duty on behalf of the Scottish people. He also defended his choice to express his opinion on the US election, contending that it is crucial for politicians to articulate their thoughts. In a formal congratulatory letter addressed to Trump, Swinney expressed his expectation that the relationship between the two nations would “continue to flourish” throughout his presidential term. He concluded the letter by stating: “I wish you every success in your new role.” The president-elect has put forward a proposal for import taxes, commonly referred to as tariffs, of at least 10% on products entering the US. Swinney cautioned that this could lead to “real difficulties” for the Scotch whisky sector, an industry estimated to have incurred losses exceeding £600 million in exports when Trump previously levied tariffs during his prior presidency. A five-year agreement that suspended 25% tariffs on single malts is scheduled for review in June 2026. The First Minister informed BBC Scotland News: “It’s important because this industry is so significant to the economic health of Scotland that we do all we can to support the industry in what are potentially challenging times.” The previous week, Swinney had expressed his view that US voters ought to support Harris. He informed journalists at the Scottish Parliament: “And I’ve not come to that conclusion only because Donald Trump is opposed to Scottish independence.” The SNP leader’s endorsement followed Trump’s statement expressing his hope that the UK “always stays together.” Trump International, the entity managing golf resorts in Turnberry, Ayrshire, and Menie, Aberdeenshire, characterized these remarks as “appalling.” The company intends to inaugurate a second course in Menie next year. The president-elect transferred operational control of these courses to his sons just prior to assuming office in 2017, although he maintained a financial stake. Anas Sarwar, the leader of Scottish Labour, also expressed support for Harris before the election. He conveyed on BBC Scotland’s The Sunday Show that the “world wins” if the US avoids electing a “divisive figure.” Following Trump’s declaration as the victor, Sarwar articulated continued concern “about the politics that he legitimises.” Nevertheless, he affirmed that politicians must “respect democracy” and that the UK is obligated to maintain a “strong relationship with the US because it’s in our national and global interest.” Alex Cole-Hamilton, leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, journeyed to the US to campaign for Kamala Harris, having previously campaigned for Barack Obama in 2008. He characterized Trump’s triumph as “devastating” for the US, women, individuals seeking asylum, the LGBTQ+ community, and Ukraine. Cole-Hamilton rejected the notion that it was “inappropriate” for Scottish political leaders to endorse a candidate in US elections. He stated to BBC Scotland News: “It is incumbent on us in this ‘special relationship’ to be a critical friend to America.” Green co-leaders Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater also gave their backing to Harris. Harvie, who had been the focus of a complaint from Trump during a disagreement concerning a windfarm located off his Aberdeenshire golf course, labeled the Republican a “profound threat” to democracy, the environment, human rights, the economy, and peace and security. He conveyed to BBC Scotland News: “A great many people will be traumatised, sickened about what comes next.” Harvie renewed his appeals for the Trump Organisation’s golf courses to undergo investigation through an unexplained wealth order, a legal instrument that mandates individuals to account for the origins of wealth utilized to purchase property and other assets within the UK. Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) voted against a Green motion advocating for this action in 2021, at which time then-justice secretary Humza Yousaf contended that it would constitute an abuse of power for parliament to instruct prosecutors on investigative matters. Russell Findlay, the leader of the Scottish Conservatives, who refrained from endorsing either presidential candidate, stated: “The people of America have chosen their president and we ought to respect that.” Prior to his presidential win in 2016, Trump faced criticism from every party leader in Scotland. When questioned about how she would respond to a call from him, then-First Minister Nicola Sturgeon remarked during a televised leaders’ debate that she would state: “I’m on the other line, sorry.” The former SNP leader also removed the Republican candidate from his position as business ambassador for Scotland after he proposed a ban on Muslims entering the US. Subsequent to his 2016 victory, Sturgeon sent a congratulatory letter to Trump and engaged in a phone conversation with him. In response to this year’s election outcomes, Sturgeon shared an image of the Statue of Liberty depicted in tears on Instagram. She later informed BBC Scotland News that the outcome was “profoundly concerning.” She further commented: “For Europe, there is an immediate need to get fully behind Ukraine.” The former First Minister concluded: “It’s a worrying time. And I think many people will feel very anxious.”