Scotland's First Minister John Swinney is facing widespread mockery after his party attempted to take credit for Donald Trump's decision to lift US tariffs on Scotch whisky. The SNP leader expressed his delight at the removal of the 10 per cent tariffs, with his party claiming it was evidence of him 'delivering' for Scotland. However, critics were quick to point out that US President Donald Trump had explicitly credited King Charles and Queen Camilla for the move, following their state visit to America.
Trump credits King Charles
In a social media post announcing the tariff removal, President Trump said he was acting 'in honour' of the King and Queen, adding: 'The King and Queen got me to do something that nobody else was able to do, without hardly even asking!' This statement directly contradicted the SNP's narrative that Mr Swinney had played a decisive role.
Political rivals lampoon Swinney
Ruth Davidson, former leader of the Scottish Tories, sarcastically remarked: 'That he did all this while masterminding the D-Day landings and being the first to identify all of Saturn's rings, is what makes these achievements truly remarkable.' Murdo Fraser, a former Scottish Tory deputy leader, posted: 'BREAKING: John Swinney claims credit for the discovery of penicillin, the moon landings, and Scotland qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.'
Douglas Alexander, the Scotland Secretary in the UK Government, also criticised Mr Swinney, stating: 'John you've been caught red-handed claiming credit for something you didn't achieve. Now you're doubling down. It's embarrassing. I get it doesn't fit your world view that the UK Government was working for this whisky deal before, during and after your visit to DC but those are facts.'
Community note on SNP post
The First Minister was further embarrassed when an SNP post on X was subjected to a 'community note' that read: 'John Swinney nor the SNP negotiated the deal with USA. It was the King.' Mr Swinney had shared the post with the message: 'Delighted with this news.'
Background on tariffs
Mr Swinney travelled to Washington DC last year to press for tariff removal in talks with President Trump. Industry estimates suggest the 10 per cent tariffs had cost the Scotch whisky sector approximately £4 million per week in lost exports, totalling £150 million over the past year. Graeme Littlejohn of the Scotch Whisky Association confirmed the significant financial impact.
Buckingham Palace responded to the tariff removal by stating that the King 'sends his sincere gratitude for a decision that will make an important difference to the British whisky industry and the livelihoods it supports'. Notably, despite the SNP's aim to break up the UK, they have insisted that King Charles would remain as Scotland's head of state in an independent Scotland.
