First Minister of Scotland John Swinney has declined an invitation from President Donald Trump to attend a White House state banquet scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, according to a spokesperson for the Scottish government.
The 62-year-old Scottish leader "politely declined" the invitation due to timing conflicts with his campaigning efforts ahead of May's Holyrood elections in Scotland, the spokesperson told The Independent on Tuesday. The decision underscores the delicate balance political leaders must strike between international diplomacy and domestic political obligations.
The invitation was reportedly the focus of a "four-minute phone call" between Trump, 79, and Swinney that took place on Monday, April 20. Despite declining the banquet invitation, Swinney's office emphasized that the First Minister remains committed to engaging with the United States administration when such engagement serves Scotland's interests.
A spokesperson for the Scottish National Party clarified the nuanced approach to U.S. relations, stating, "As the First Minister has said previously, he will continue to engage with the president where it is in Scotland's interest, but will be clear on the areas where he disagrees with actions of the U.S. administration such as on their actions in Iran." Swinney has served as Leader of the Scottish National Party since 2024, following a previous tenure between 2000 and 2004.
The upcoming White House banquet will host King Charles III and Queen Camilla as part of the monarch's first visit to the United States since ascending to the throne in 2022. Buckingham Palace confirmed in March that Charles, 77, and Camilla, 78, accepted Trump's invitation for the historic visit.
According to Buckingham Palace, the trip "will celebrate the historic connections and the modern bilateral relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States, marking the 250th anniversary of American Independence." The visit represents a significant diplomatic milestone for both nations.
Swinney's decision to decline the invitation comes despite a recent history of cordial relations with the Trump administration. The Scottish politician visited Trump at the White House in September 2025 to "discuss a potential deal to exempt Scotch whiskey from U.S. import tariffs," according to BBC reporting. One week after that visit, Swinney attended a state banquet at Windsor Castle that honored Trump.
The relationship between the two leaders appeared particularly warm during Trump's July 2025 visit to Scotland, when the President formally opened the Trump International Scotland golf course in Aberdeenshire. At the opening ceremony, Trump publicly praised Swinney, asking him to stand and be recognized for his political contributions.
"John Swinney is a terrific guy – and loves golf and loves the people of this country, and we really appreciate it," Trump told reporters at the event, according to Sky News. Trump then addressed Swinney directly, saying, "You're really a very special guy. Thank you very much for everything, John."
The First Minister's decision to prioritize domestic political campaigning over the White House banquet reflects the practical realities facing elected officials during election seasons. With the Holyrood elections approaching in May, Swinney faces the imperative of maintaining visibility and engagement with Scottish voters during a critical period for his political future and that of the Scottish National Party.