Swinney congratulates Trump after backing Harris in US election

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney has congratulated Donald Trump on his victory in the US presidential election.

The SNP leader had backed Democratic candidate Kamala Harris – a move branded an “insult” by Trump’s Scottish business.

But with the former president poised to re-enter the White House, Swinney said Scotland shared “economic, social and cultural” links with the US.

He added that he would be “happy” to meet with Trump if he visited Scotland.

The president elect, whose company owns two golf courses in Scotland, is half Scottish, with his mother Mary Anne MacLeod born and raised on the Isle of Lewis.

Swinney told BBC Scotland News: “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 said that if Trump visited Scotland, it would be his duty as first minister to meet him on behalf of Scots.

He defended his decision to share his view on the US election, arguing it was important for politicians to say what they think.

In a congratulatory letter to Trump, Swinney predicted ties between the two countries would “continue to flourish” during his presidency.

He added: “I wish you every success in your new role.”

The president elect has proposed import taxes, known as tariffs, of at least 10% on goods coming into the US.

Swinney warned there could be “real difficulties” for the Scotch whisky industry – which was estimated to have lost more than £600m in exports after Trump imposed tariffs during his previous presidency.

A five-year deal to suspend the 25% tariffs on single malts is due to be reviewed in June 2026.

“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 first minister told BBC Scotland News.

Last week, Swinney said US voters should back Harris.

He told reporters in 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 came after Trump said he hoped the UK “always stays together”.

Trump International, which runs the golf resorts at Turnberry in Ayrshire and Menie in Aberdeenshire, called the comments “appalling”.

The firm is planning to open a second course in Menie next year.

The president elect handed over control of the courses to his sons shortly before taking office in 2017, though he retained a financial interest.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar also sided with Harris ahead of the election.

He told BBC Scotland’s The Sunday Show the “world wins” if the US does not elect a “divisive figure”.

After Trump was declared the winner, Sarwar said he remained concerned “about the politics that he legitimises”.

However, he said politicians had to “respect democracy”, and that the UK had to keep a “strong relationship with the US because it’s in our national and global interest”.

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton travelled to the US to campaign for Kamala Harris, having campaigned for Barak Obama in 2008.

He called Trump’s victory “devastating” for the US, women, people seeking asylum, the LGBTQ+ community and Ukraine.

Cole-Hamilton denied it was “inappropriate” for Scottish political leaders to take a side in US elections. “It is incumbent on us in this ‘special relationship’ to be a critical friend to America,” he told BBC Scotland News.

Green co-leaders Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater also endorsed Harris.

Harvie – who was the subject of a complaint from Trump during a dispute over a windfarm off his Aberdeenshire golf course – described the Republican as a “profound threat” to democracy, the environment, human rights, the economy and peace and security.

He told BBC Scotland News: “A great many people will be traumatised, sickened about what comes next.”

Harvie reiterated calls for the Trump Organisation’s golf courses to be investigated via an unexplained wealth order, which requires individuals to explain the source of wealth used to acquire property and other assets in the UK.

MSPs rejected a Green motion calling for such a move in 2021, with then justice secretary Humza Yousaf arguing it would be an abuse of power for parliament to tell prosecutors what to investigate.

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay, who did not back either presidential candidate, said: “The people of America have chosen their president and we ought to respect that.”

Ahead of his presidential victory in 2016, Trump was criticised by every party leader in Scotland.

Asked what she would do if asked to take a call from him, then-First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told a televised leaders’ debate she would say: “I’m on the other line, sorry.”

The former SNP leader also stripped the Republican candidate of his role as business ambassador for Scotland after he suggested Muslims should be banned from entering the US.

Following his victory in 2016, Sturgeon wrote a congratulatory letter to Trump, and spoke to him on the phone.

Responding to this year’s election results, Sturgeon posted a picture of the Statue of Liberty in tears on Instagram.

She later told BBC Scotland News the result was “profoundly concerning”.

“For Europe, there is an immediate need to get fully behind Ukraine,” she said.

The former first minister added: “It’s a worrying time. And I think many people will feel very anxious.”