Scotland’s First Minister Meets Trump Amid Visit Highlighting Whisky Tariffs, Gaza Crisis and Heritage Links
John Swinney engages with U.S. President Donald Trump during Aberdeenshire golf course opening, raising trade, humanitarian and ancestral issues
Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, met with U.S. President Donald Trump on 29 July 2025 at the Menie Estate in Aberdeenshire, during the inauguration of Trump’s second golf course.
The meeting included a one‑hour dinner followed by a formal morning discussion, during which Swinney urged Trump to consider exempting Scotch whisky from a newly imposed 10 percent tariff, which industry estimates have cost approximately £4 million per week .
President Trump expressed surprise at the issue, saying he “didn’t know whisky was a problem”, and indicated a willingness to follow up on the matter .
Swinney also raised concerns over the “unimaginable suffering” in Gaza, pressing Trump to use his influence to address the humanitarian crisis .
As a gesture highlighting ancestral ties, Swinney presented Trump with rare historical records tracing his maternal family’s origins to Lewis, including a handwritten 1853 marriage entry from Tong and a 1921 census record .
Trump was reportedly “deeply touched” by the gift .
At the opening ceremony, Trump referred to Swinney as a “very special guy” and expressed appreciation.
Swinney described Trump as “pleasant company” and characterized their discussions as “perfectly valuable and courteous conversations” .
As part of the visit, Swinney announced £180,000 in public funding to support the 2025 Nexo Championship of the DP World Tour at the Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeenshire, citing prospects for tourism and regional prominence .
The allocation attracted criticism across party lines, with opponents denouncing it as a misuse of public funds .
Trump used the occasion to expand his international remarks, criticizing UK taxation on North Sea oil and gas as discouraging investment and describing the region as a “treasure chest” hindered by high tax rates .
The meetings occurred against a backdrop of broader diplomacy during Trump’s four‑day visit to Scotland, which included engagements with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, European Commission President von der Leyen, and coverage of trade agreements .
The meeting included a one‑hour dinner followed by a formal morning discussion, during which Swinney urged Trump to consider exempting Scotch whisky from a newly imposed 10 percent tariff, which industry estimates have cost approximately £4 million per week .
President Trump expressed surprise at the issue, saying he “didn’t know whisky was a problem”, and indicated a willingness to follow up on the matter .
Swinney also raised concerns over the “unimaginable suffering” in Gaza, pressing Trump to use his influence to address the humanitarian crisis .
As a gesture highlighting ancestral ties, Swinney presented Trump with rare historical records tracing his maternal family’s origins to Lewis, including a handwritten 1853 marriage entry from Tong and a 1921 census record .
Trump was reportedly “deeply touched” by the gift .
At the opening ceremony, Trump referred to Swinney as a “very special guy” and expressed appreciation.
Swinney described Trump as “pleasant company” and characterized their discussions as “perfectly valuable and courteous conversations” .
As part of the visit, Swinney announced £180,000 in public funding to support the 2025 Nexo Championship of the DP World Tour at the Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeenshire, citing prospects for tourism and regional prominence .
The allocation attracted criticism across party lines, with opponents denouncing it as a misuse of public funds .
Trump used the occasion to expand his international remarks, criticizing UK taxation on North Sea oil and gas as discouraging investment and describing the region as a “treasure chest” hindered by high tax rates .
The meetings occurred against a backdrop of broader diplomacy during Trump’s four‑day visit to Scotland, which included engagements with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, European Commission President von der Leyen, and coverage of trade agreements .
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