Trump’s Scottish Business Labels First Minister’s Support for Harris an ‘Insult’

Donald Trump’s business operations in Scotland have labeled the Scottish first minister’s endorsement of Kamala Harris in the upcoming US presidential election as an “insult.” John Swinney, Scotland’s first minister, encouraged American citizens to support the current vice president in her contest against Trump, who is campaigning for re-election on 5 November. Trump International, the entity managing his golf courses situated in Ayrshire and Aberdeenshire, asserted that this endorsement constituted an affront to Mr. Trump’s financial commitments in Scotland. Election polls currently show Harris with a narrow lead, with projections indicating the Democrat candidate could secure 48% of the vote. However, polls in key swing states are reportedly too close to call. Addressing journalists at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, Mr. Swinney stated: “People in the United States of America should vote for Kamala Harris.”He added: “And I’ve not come to that conclusion only because Donald Trump is opposed to Scottish independence.”” Sarah Malone, representing Trump International Scotland, commented: “The Trump family has shown unwavering commitment to Scotland – pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into the Scottish economy – and driving many tens of thousands of international visitors to Scotland every year.”She continued: “It is appalling to see the first minister, who talks of the need to encourage economic growth, insult this commitment and all the people involved in delivering world-class services here in Scotland.”” Ms. Malone further stated that approximately 600 individuals are employed by businesses owned by the Trump family within Scotland. Trump International possesses a golf course situated at Menie, close to Aberdeen, with plans to inaugurate another. Additionally, the Turnberry golf course in Ayrshire is also under Mr. Trump’s ownership. Control of both these courses was transferred to his sons just prior to his presidential inauguration in 2017, though he maintained a financial stake. In October, Mr. Trump conveyed his perspective on Scottish independence during a podcast appearance, expressing his hope that the United Kingdom “always stays together”. On the Flagrant podcast, he remarked: “You know, they tried to break up Scotland from the rest of the empire, so to speak.“And it made it by about like a half a point. They kept it together.” During the 2014 referendum, Scotland chose not to become an independent nation, with 55% voting against and 45% in favor, resulting in a 10% margin. Mr. Trump also discussed his mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, who was born and grew up on the Isle of Lewis. He further commented: “The Scottish people, they’re tough people.“They’re good people. Actually, they’re very great people. But they’re good fighters.”” Mr. Trump had previously been designated a GlobalScot ambassador by Jack McConnell, who was then Labour’s First Minister, in 2006. However, a spokesperson for the Scottish government subsequently stated that he was “no longer fit” to serve as an ambassador for Scotland. In the previous week, Mr. Trump’s campaign submitted a complaint to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) against the United Kingdom’s Labour Party. The complaint alleged “blatant foreign interference” following revelations that party personnel had traveled to the United States to support the Harris campaign.