John Swinney: Trump visit ‘provides Scotland with a platform to make its voice heard’

The first minister has said the visit by President Donald Trump provides Scotland with an opportunity to “make its voice heard” on the global stage.

John Swinney, who is expected to meet with the president in the coming days, said the visit would be a “landmark moment” for Scottish/US relations.

But he also said he will raise “issues of significant importance” with Trump when the pair meet, including the humanitarian crisis happening in Gaza.

Mass protests are expected to take place during the presidential visit, and the first minister said it was “right and proper” to allow people to protest “peacefully and lawfully”.

He expressed his confidence in the police service’s ability to manage these protests, the president’s security and wider public safety.

Donald Trump is expected to land in Scotland at some point today and will stay until Tuesday.

It is not an official state visit – that is scheduled for September – and the president is expected to spend the majority of his time at his two businesses in Aberdeenshire and Ayrshire.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer will meet with the president in Aberdeen, with talks on the trade deal between the US and UK set to dominate.

Swinney has been criticised for seeking a meeting with the president, having previously said Trump’s state visit should be cancelled.

But speaking ahead of the president’s arrival, the first minister said: “As we welcome the President of the United States, Scotland will be showcased on the world stage. This provides Scotland with a platform to make its voice heard on the issues that matter, including war and peace, justice and democracy.

“It also includes the millions of Americans – many of them potential future tourists or investors in Scotland – who will watch their elected president as he visits our country.

“As first minister it is my responsibility to advance our interests, raise global and humanitarian issues of significant importance, including the unimaginable suffering we are witnessing in Gaza, and ensure Scotland’s voice is heard at the highest levels of government across the world. That is exactly what I will do when I meet with President Trump during his time in Scotland.”

The Scottish Greens have been particularly critical of the meeting. Co-leader Patrick Harvie accused Swinney of “trying to cosy up to”  Trump.

He added: “The SNPs decision to meet with this convicted felon is a tragic one and is out of step with Scotland’s values. Appeasing political extremists like Trump won't save us from his misinformation and toxic rhetoric.”

The visit has also sparked concerns about the toll it will take on the police force. The Scottish Police Federation warned there were not enough officers, and the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents said it would “undoubtedly stretch” resources.

Responding to these concerns, Swinney said: “I am confident the vast majority of people protesting will do Scotland proud and demonstrate as they should – peacefully and lawfully.

“I am also confident that Scotland’s police service can handle the challenge of keeping all our communities safe and, as they must, in maintaining the appropriate security any US president requires.”