Swinney 'politely' turns down Trump's invitation to state banquet
Mr Trump phoned First Minister today to invite him to Washington - but the answer was no
John Swinney has “politely” turned down an invitation from Donald Trump to attend a state banquet at the White House next week, the Scottish Government has confirmed.
The four-minute phone call from the US president took place on Monday April 20, and it is understood the invitation was the focus of the call.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said the First Minister declined the invitation as the event comes in the midst of campaigning for next month’s Holyrood elections.
It is understood Mr Swinney took the call in his capacity as First Minister, which he remains throughout the election campaign.
The banquet is being held as part of the King and Queen’s forthcoming state visit to the US.
Mr Swinney met Mr Trump at the White House last year to make the case for a better tariff deal for Scotch whisky. The First Minister also raised the international situation, including the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
That followed Mr Swinney’s invite to the opening of the new Trump course at the Menie estate in Aberdeenshire in July, where he dined with the US president.
Mr Swinney has since condemned the US attacks on Iran, which he described as a “threat of genocide”.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “President Trump called First Minister John Swinney today to invite him to the State Banquet at the White House next week.
“Due to the election, the First Minister politely declined the invitation.”
An SNP spokesperson said: “As the First Minister has said previously, he will continue to engage with the president where it is in Scotland’s interest, but will be clear on the areas where he disagrees with actions of the US administration such as on their actions in Iran.”
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