Why Donald Trump's new best friend, John Swinney, deserves Scotland's thanks
Donald Trump’s praise for John Swinney was particularly effusive
“John, will you stand up? John Swinney, who's a terrific guy and he loves golf and he loves the people of this country, and we really appreciate it. You're really a very special guy.”
We had worried the First Minister’s previous undiplomatic comments about Donald Trump would come back to haunt him. But, judging by the US President’s effusive praise, Swinney played a blinder during their private dinner at Trump International in Aberdeenshire.
So what comes next for this new-born holiday friendship? A few rounds of golf together (remembering to let him win)? An audience in the Oval Office? Or, whisper it, an invitation to Mar-a-Lago?!
Of course, what Swinney really wants is an exemption from US tariffs for whisky, but that may be the least likely of the lot. It’s questionable whether Trump was being sincere, while Swinney may be hoping to quietly distance himself from the ‘leader of the free world’ as rapidly as is decent.
However, for putting up with Trump and going into bat for the national interest, Scotland’s First Minister deserves our thanks. Well done.
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