US President Donald Trump has launched an unprompted attack on former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, branding her a "terrible first minister" during his flight back to Washington. The criticism came as he travelled on Air Force One following his five-day visit to Scotland.
Trump made the comments to reporters after being asked about his discussions with current First Minister John Swinney. The president had enjoyed a two-hour dinner on Monday with Swinney alongside Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Trump praises current leader
When asked if he had offered to drop US tariffs on Scotch whisky, Trump replied: "No. We really didn't discuss it much. But I have a lot of respect for him [Mr Swinney]." However, he then launched into his criticism of Sturgeon without prompting.
"I didn't have a lot of respect for the woman that preceded him - I thought she was terrible as a first minister of Scotland," Trump said. "But I think John is doing a very good job of first minister."
Sturgeon hits back
A source close to Sturgeon responded swiftly to Trump's comments, saying: "Trump's lack of respect for women is hardly news. That said, the feeling was entirely mutual."
Sturgeon herself took to Instagram to respond directly, writing: "Feeling was mutual, Donnie. Forever proud to represent all the things that offend your view of the world."
Long-running feud
This latest exchange continues a long-standing feud between Trump and Sturgeon, who served as first minister from 2014 until her resignation in 2023. When she stepped down, Trump described her as a "failed woke extremist" and a "crazed leftist" who "symbolises everything wrong with identity politics".
The animosity dates back to 2016 when Sturgeon, following Trump's first presidential election victory, described his behaviour and rhetoric as "abhorrent". Their relationship remained frosty throughout his previous presidency.
Scottish visit highlights
Trump left Scotland on Tuesday after visiting his golf courses in Turnberry, South Ayrshire, and Menie in Aberdeenshire. During his stay, he struck what he described as "the biggest trade agreement in history" with the EU and held meetings with Sir Keir to improve the UK-US trade deal.
Swinney said following his talks with Trump that the president had shown a "willingness" to move on Scotch tariffs, which currently sit at 10 per cent. During Trump's speech at Menie on Tuesday morning, he publicly praised the First Minister, calling him "a terrific guy" who "loves golf and loves the people of this country".
(PA/London) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
