Scotland's First Minister has said it is 'hard to not conclude' that the president of the United States is a racist.
Nicola Sturgeon made the comments in a radio interview when asked about Donald Trump's handling of the Black Lives Matter protests throughout America in the wake of the death of George Floyd in police custody.
When asked by Radio Clyde's Ewen Cameron if President Trump is a racist, she replied: "I think sometimes it's hard not to conclude that.
"I don't know what goes on inside Donald Trump's head, but I do know that the language you use and how you express yourself matters and if you don't want to be accused of racism, don't use racist language."
Ms Sturgeon also criticised Mr Trump's leadership, saying America needs better.
She said: "I think Donald Trump is displaying a lack of leadership and moral leadership
"What he needs to do is address the causes of these protests. Some of the deep-seated long-standing racial injustices that are driving the protests.
"Instead, what he appears more interested in doing is polarising and attacking those who are protesting.
"I think America so badly needs better leadership than that right now."
The full interview will be aired on Radio Clyde tomorrow at 9am.
Protests have been staged across the US in response to the killing of 32-year-old Floyd, with much criticism directed at Mr Trump's handling of the unrest.
The First Minister pulled no punches about President @realDonaldTrump in my EXCLUSIVE interview.
— Ewen Cameron (@EwenDCameron) June 4, 2020
Don’t miss it tomorrow from 9am as I ask the questions that matter to you! #BlackLivesMatter https://t.co/7SJ9ji1Ujw
Former US defence secretary Jim Mattis said he has been “angry and appalled” by President Donald Trump’s heavy-handed use of the military to quell protests near the White House.
On Thursday, Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf urged people planning to join protests planned across Scotland to do so safely amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Demonstrations have been planned in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen, with dozens attending a demo in the country's capital on Wednesday evening.
But Mr Yousaf says that social distancing must be respected, and advised any protests to be done so virtually.
READ MORE: Neil Mackay: Why American racism demands Scotland reflects on its own shameful past of white supremacy
He also backed calls made by the sister of Sheku Bayoh, who died in police custody in Fife, urging those demanding justice for Floyd to protest digitally.
A joint letter by the pair, alongside lawyer Aamer Anwar and Labour MSP Anas Sarwar,, said: "As long-term anti-racist campaigners we are still urging people to protest but to use the many other methods available at this time, including digital protests.
"We hope people will understand our position and explore other methods of demonstrating practical solidarity with #BlackLivesMatter."
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon's top official mocked after 'taking the knee'
Meanwhile across the UK, protestors clashed with police in London after thousands attended a demonstration in Hyde Park before turning to Downing Street, where tensions appear to have escalated.
The Metropolitan Police said 13 people were arrested during the protests, which ran into the early hours of Thursday morning.
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