Donald Trump to meet with John Swinney during US President's Scotland visit
DON HIS WAY Donald Trump to meet with John Swinney during US President's Scotland visit
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JOHN Swinney WILL meet with Donald Trump when the President visits Scotland later this month.
The Scottish Government confirmed today that there are 'plans' for the First Minister to meet the Republican leader.
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Donald Trump is visiting Scotland later this month
Credit: Alamy
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First Minister John Swinney is set to meet with the US President
Credit: Alamy
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Mr Trump will be here to mark the opening of a new course at Trump International Golf Links
Credit: Getty
However, they refused to confirm where or when the meeting would take place.
A spokeswoman said: 'The Scottish Government has been working collaboratively on arrangements with partners, including Police Scotland on the visit of the President of the United States.
'There are plans for the First Minister to meet with the President when he is in Scotland.
"It is important that the opportunity to promote the interests of Scotland is taken during this visit.'
Downing Street confirmed the Prime Minister would also meet Mr Trump earlier in the day.
However, the decision from Mr Swinney sparked fury from the SNP's former coalition partners the Scottish Greens.
Ross Greer, who is running for co-leadership, likened Mr Trump to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu.
He said: 'I doubt the First Minister would meet with Putin or Netanyahu.
'What is the distinction between them and Trump other than economic power and how do we think history will judge those who tried to treat him like just another world leader?'
Last week the White House rejected claims from Mr Greer that the President was a 'dangerous racist bully'.
Trump shipping long-range missiles to Ukraine will change face of war' after 'p****d' Don's patience with Putin runs out
Mr Swinney sparked fury from Mr Trump after he said Americans should vote for Kamala Harris in last year's election.
He was blasted by Mr Trump's businesses for the 'insult' and labelled 'appalling'.
In December, the First Minister had a 'positive' phone call with the President after his election.
And in March, Mr Swinney met Mr Trump's son, Eric Trump, in Bute House where they discussed the President's golf courses.
STATE VISIT CONFIRMED
IT comes as the dates for the US President's official state visit were confirmed.
Mr Trump will be hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla from September 17 until September 19.
A statement from The Royal Family said: "The President of the United States of America, President Donald J. Trump, accompanied by the First Lady Mrs. Melania Trump, will be hosted by His Majesty The King for a State Visit to the United Kingdom from September 17 to September 19 2025."
The President and the First Lady will be hosted at Windsor Castle during their visit.
Trump will be the first US President to be offered a state visit during his second term in the White House.
He was given the historic invitation by the PM during a visit to Washington.
The US President will be visiting Scotland for a private trip to his golf courses.
He will be here to mark the opening of a new course at Trump International Golf Links in Menie, Aberdeenshire.
A new 18-hole course is set to open at the Aberdeenshire property.
It will be named the MacLeod course after the President's mum, Mary MacLeod, who was born on the Isle of Lewis.
The dates of the President's private visit are yet to be confirmed, but no hotel rooms are available to book at his two golf resorts from July 24-28.
Earlier this month Police Scotland confirmed they were planning a potential visit by Donald Trump.
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The US President is expected to have an 'informal' meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer
Credit: AP
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