Full Breakdown
Trump Praises SNP Leader After Scottish Election Upset
5/9/2026, 8:43:30 PM
Trump’s Public Congratulation to Scotland’s First Minister
U.S. President Donald Trump used his Truth Social platform to congratulate First Minister John Swinney on his re-election. He described Swinney as “a good man” who had worked “very hard… with respect to tariff relief for Great Scottish Whiskey” and said the victory was “big.” The post was published shortly after the election results were announced on 9 May 2026.
2026 Scottish Election Results and Tariff-Relief Context
The Scottish parliamentary election produced a fifth consecutive term for the Scottish National Party (SNP), which secured 58 of the 129 seats—down from 64 in 2021 but still the largest party. Labour and Reform UK each won 17 seats, while the Scottish Greens increased to a record 15 seats. The SNP’s campaign highlighted the removal of U.S. tariffs on Scotch whisky, a policy change announced after the British monarch’s state visit and credited by Swinney as a key achievement.
Key Figures
- John Swinney – Leader of the SNP and First Minister of Scotland.
- Donald Trump – President of the United States, of Scottish ancestry, who publicly praised Swinney.
- Sir Keir Starmer – Leader of the UK Labour Party, facing internal pressure after poor election outcomes.
- Anas Sarwar – Leader of Scottish Labour, defending his party’s performance.
- Richard Burgon – Leader of the Socialist Campaign Group of Labour MPs, calling for Starmer’s departure timetable.
Data & Statistics
- SNP: 58 seats (record fifth term).
- Labour: 17 seats (down from 22 in 2021).
- Reform UK: 17 seats (tied with Labour).
- Greens: 15 seats (record high).
- Scottish Conservatives: 12 seats.
- Liberal Democrats: 10 seats.
- Tariff relief for Scotch whisky was announced shortly after the King’s state visit and before the election, a point of contention between the Scottish and UK governments over credit for the policy.
Why It Matters
The congratulatory message underscores a diplomatic nuance: Trump’s praise for Swinney aligns with his broader criticism of UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who has been blamed for Labour’s “catastrophic” losses in Scotland, Wales, and English local elections. The SNP’s continued dominance reinforces calls for a renewed mandate on Scottish independence, while Labour’s internal dissent intensifies pressure on Starmer’s leadership.
Official Statements & Responses
- Trump’s post framed Swinney’s election as a validation of his work on whisky-tariff relief.
- Swinney responded by urging Downing Street to “listen” to the Scottish electorate, emphasizing the need for respect toward the Scottish Government.
- Starmer publicly declared he would not resign, stating he would not “walk away and plunge the country into chaos.”
- Sarwar acknowledged Labour’s “hurting” position but maintained focus on Scottish issues, noting a national wave they failed to overcome.
Criticism & Opposition
Labour MPs have openly called for Starmer to set a timetable for his departure. Richard Burgon asserted that Starmer “has fought his last election as Labour leader.” The internal debate reflects broader concerns about Labour’s electoral strategy and leadership.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Reform UK’s performance outside Scotland: one report cites 34 seats in the Welsh Parliament, while another lists only 17 seats in the Scottish election. Additionally, the precise attribution of credit for whisky-tariff removal remains disputed between the Scottish and UK governments.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Congratulations to John Swinney on winning his Re-Election for First Minister of Scotland. He is a good man, who worked very hard, along with the King and Queen of the United Kingdom, with respect to Tariff relief for Great Scottish Whiskey – and deserves this Big Electoral Victory!” — Donald Trump, U.S. President
- “My message to Downing Street tonight is very, very clear – they have got a lot of listening to do to the fact that Labour have been hammered here in Scotland and an SNP Government, after 19 years in office, has just been emphatically returned to office, and Scotland needs respect as a consequence of that election outcome.” — John Swinney, First Minister of Scotland
- “I’m not going to walk away and plunge the country into chaos.” — Sir Keir Starmer, Labour leader
- “It is clear that Keir has fought his last election as Labour leader and, deep down, he will know it,” — Richard Burgon, leader of the Socialist Campaign Group
- “Asked if he blamed Sir Keir Starmer for the results on Friday, Mr Sarwar said: “Throughout this election campaign, I have tried to make this election about Scotland, I’m not going to change that today.” — Anas Sarwar, Scottish Labour leader
