John Swinney declines Trump’s White House banquet invite due to ongoing election campaign

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney has declined an invitation from US President Donald Trump to attend a White House state banquet, according to the Scottish government.

The event, scheduled for April 28, forms part of the state visit by King Charles and Queen Camilla to the United States.

Officials said Swinney turned down the invitation due to ongoing campaigning ahead of the Scottish Parliament election.

A spokesperson said: "President Trump called First Minister John Swinney to invite him to the State Banquet at the White House next week. Due to the election, the first minister politely declined the invitation."

The invitation followed a brief phone call between Trump and Swinney on Monday, during which the banquet was discussed.

The Scottish leader has previously engaged with Trump on trade issues, including discussions last year at the White House about potential exemptions for Scotch whisky from US tariffs.

He also attended a state banquet in Trump’s honour at Windsor Castle shortly after that meeting.

The decision comes as Swinney focuses on the upcoming Holyrood election on May 7, where he continues to serve as first minister during the campaign period.

The royal visit, taking place from April 27 to 30, will include a private meeting between Trump and the King in Washington, as well as events in New York, Virginia and Bermuda.