Swinney Snubs Trump, Prioritizes Scottish Election

0:00On April 20th, Scotland's first minister, John Swinney, just turned down an invite from President Trump to a White House state banquet next week. The event is set for April 28th, tied to King Charles and Queen Camilla's state visit to the U.S. Swinney politely said no, citing his busy schedule campaigning for the Scottish Parliament election coming up on May 7th. Earlier this week, Trump called Swinney for a four-minute chat focused on that invitation. This isn't their first rodeo. Swinney met Trump at the White House last September to talk exempting Scotch whiskey from U.S. tariffs, and a week later he was at a banquet for Trump at Windsor Castle. Swinney's been vocal lately, calling for de-escalation in Iran after recent U.S. strikes and warning about military risks. As S&P leader, he's staying on as first minister through the election, keeping Scotland's focus domestic amid global tensions. The royal tour runs from April 27th to 30th, starting in Washington, D.C. with a private Trump meet-up before the banquet. From there, it's New York for a 9-11 memorial event,

1:03den Virginia, and wrapping in Bermuda. With elections looming, Swinney's choice underscores priorities back home, even as transatlantic ties play out on this big stage.