John Swinney turns down Donald Trump's White House invitation
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Scottish First Minister John Swinney has declined an invitation from US President Donald Trump to attend a state banquet at the White House, citing the ongoing Holyrood election campaign. The decision comes amid strained transatlantic ties due to the conflict in the Middle East.
John Swinney has declined an invitation from US President Donald Trump to attend a state banquet at the White House. The invitation was extended during a four-minute phone call on April 20. Swinney, still in his capacity as First Minister during the election campaign, politely declined due to the timing of the event. The state banquet is part of the King and Queen's forthcoming state visit to the US. Swinney and Trump have met several times, discussing topics such as Scotch whisky tariffs and the situation in Gaza. The First Minister has been critical of Trump's actions, particularly his threat to eradicate Iran, calling it a "threat of genocide".
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