Anas Sarwar has said he would meet with Donald Trump if Scottish Labour forms the next government at Holyrood.
The Glasgow MSP said today he would take a “grown-up” approach to dealing with the US President-elect if his party can dislodge the SNP from power.
It comes after the Scottish Greens demanded John Swinney turn down any invitation to meet with Trump if the American leader visits Scotland later this year.
Sarwar said: “I don’t agree with the politics of Donald Trump, I’ve spoken clearly about many of the areas I disagree with Donald Trump on, but he is elected by the people of the USA to be their president.
“He is someone that has a connection with Scotland, through his family ties and we have to – as adults – work with people that we sometimes disagree with in order to maximise the benefit for our country. So, I think we have to take a grown-up approach on this.”
The Scottish Labour leader added that he would “make clear my own views” but ensure that he advocated for Scotland on issues such as tariffs – which Mr Trump has repeatedly said could feature heavily in his trade policy.
Trump owns two golf clubs in Scotland and is expected to attend the opening of a new course at his Aberdeenshire facility – which will be named after his Isle of Lewis-born mother – this year.
Ahead of the expected visit – and on the anniversary of the January 6 riot at the US Capitol by the President-elect’s supporters – the Scottish Greens pushed for ministers to not meet him.
“Four years ago, Donald Trump was inciting rioters to storm the Capitol and block the democratic process. In the time since, he has doubled-down on right-wing conspiracy theories and refused to show even the slightest shred of contrition or regret,” said co-leader Patrick Harvie.
“I urge the First Minister and his colleagues to turn down any meeting requests while he is here. Political relationships with other countries are important, but those relationships should be focused on those who share civilised values and respect for basic democratic norms.”
Sarah Malone, executive president of Trump International Scotland, which manages the president-elect’s interests in Scotland, said: “Patrick Harvie’s puerile behaviour and mindless ranting is an embarrassment to Scotland and does a great disservice to our country.
“Aside from the colossal investment into the Scottish economy from the Trump family, the fact he is attacking the incoming president of the United States using such language is risible.”
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