Donald Trump upset at John Swinney's 'appalling' support for Kamala Harris

Donald Trump’s business has hit out at John Swinney after the First Minister backed Kamala Harris.

Donald Trump’s business has branded First Minister John Swinney “appalling” after he backed Kamala Harris to become the next president of the United States.

The Trump business has pointed the finger at the First Minister’s comments despite Mr Trump’s “unwavering commitment to Scotland” and labelled Mr Swinney’s remarks as an “insult”.

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Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally. PIC: AP Photo/Matt RourkeRepublican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally. PIC: AP Photo/Matt Rourke
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally. PIC: AP Photo/Matt Rourke

The First Minister had earlier thrown his support behind Mr Trump’s rival to enter the White House, joking that his opposition to Scottish independence was not the only reason why he was supporting Ms Harris.

Mr Swinney was asked if he would back Mr Trump’s bid for a return to the White House, given his Scottish ties.

But, unequivocally, Mr Swinney said: “People in the United States of America should vote for Kamala Harris.”

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He added: “I’ve not come to that conclusion only because Donald Trump is opposed to Scottish independence.”

Mr Trump has Scottish connections with golf courses in Aberdeenshire and Turnberry in Ayrshire - but his mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, is also from Lewis. But his team has taken offence at Mr Swinney’s comment.

First Minister John Swinney (Picture: Andrew Milligan)First Minister John Swinney (Picture: Andrew Milligan)
First Minister John Swinney (Picture: Andrew Milligan) | PA

In a statement, Sarah Malone, executive vice president of Trump International Scotland, said: “The Trump family has shown unwavering commitment to Scotland - pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into the Scottish economy - and driving many tens of thousands of international visitors to Scotland every year.

“Around 600 people – the majority of whom are Scottish – are employed directly by Trump businesses and many more local and national businesses thrive on supplying services to our resorts.

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“It is appalling to see the First Minister, who talks of the need to encourage economic growth, insult this commitment and all the people involved in delivering world-class services here in Scotland."

Earlier this week, Mr Trump said he hoped the UK “stays together” as he addressed Scottish independence. Speaking to comedian Andrew Schulz on his Flagrant podcast, Mr Trump was asked about the 2014 Scottish independence referendum.

He said: “You know, they tried to break up Scotland from the rest of the empire, so to speak. And it made it by about like a half a point. They kept it together. So I hope it stays together. I hope it always stays together.”

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