Who should be most worried about meeting Trump: Starmer or Swinney?

Such a dilemma is common in politics, particularly when one is dealing with such a controversial figure. How, exactly, should one respond to President Trump?

Turning from the green to the Greens, a ready answer. Patrick Harvie said there should be a political boycott of the President, accompanied by vocal protest.

There could be no excuses, Mr Harvie averred, for “trying to cosy up” to the President’s “increasingly fascist political agenda”.

I note that perspective and acknowledge that it will be shared by some activists, particularly on the Left. However, in all frankness, that response is not seriously available to elected government leaders like Keir Starmer and John Swinney.

Donald Trump was legitimately chosen as the 47th President of the USA. Kamala Harris was clearly defeated. Individuals may regret the outcome, but the people have plainly spoken.

Now, one might argue that Donald Trump was not so ready to accept the result when he lost in 2020. But instead of aping that behaviour, it is crucial to endorse the verdict of the people when it is so visibly expressed.

It is my firm understanding that John Swinney never contemplated the notion of boycotting the President. Rather, he will meet Mr Trump in the North-east in order “to promote the interests of Scotland”.

I believe the FM is of the view that such an approach will be readily understood by Scottish citizens who welcome any endeavour to lessen the anxiety and turmoil presently besetting them.

The Prime Minister will head to Aberdeenshire for talks with the President, building upon their White House discussions, as a prelude to an unprecedented second UK state visit for Trump in September.

These two meetings self-evidently offer opportunities. A chance to convince this most mercurial leader that he should change tack on tariffs, that global trade is in jeopardy. Or, at least, a chance to try.

But there are definitely challenges too. Both Keir Starmer and John Swinney can expect criticism for engaging with Mr Trump. Including from within their own parties.

I think the more obvious pitfalls lie in the path of the PM.

Firstly, the question of tone. If anything, the PM appeared a little unctuous in those White House exchanges. Perhaps just a mite too cosy.

Now, I understand. How else do you cope with a narcissist who expects universal admiration, who believes that he is the Great Leader?

When asked a few days ago, in that remarkable BBC phone interview, whether other countries were “obvious in their flattery”, Mr Trump suggested they were “just trying to be nice”.

Again, though, remember the volatile character of Donald Trump. Right now, he may laud the PM – while noting he is a mite too “liberal” for his taste. That could change in an instant.

I understand also that the PM can claim a degree of success for his approach. That early trade deal which mitigates the impact of tariffs upon key UK industrial sectors. Mitigates, mind, not removes.

However, secondly, the Prime Minister is currently facing substantial problems within his own Parliamentary party. Insurrection is becoming commonplace. I seriously doubt that withdrawing the whip from four dissenters will quell disquiet.

In that context, Sir Keir must avoid being seen to be too close to a President whose agenda is rooted firmly on the Right. Hence the need for caution.

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It would not help the UK in any way to pick a fight with the occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Perhaps, though, the praise could be lightly seasoned with critical comments.

And what of [[John Swinney]]? I believe him to be aware that meeting [[Donald Trump]] may not go down too well with a few in the SNP. He too has faced internal criticism, despite his renewed strategic focus upon independence.

Equally, though, he calculates that a decided majority will take the view, which he attributes to the public, that it will be vital to raise issues with the President such as the future for key industries like whisky and salmon.

As one observer noted to me, “this is a chance for the leader of Scotland to hold talks with the leader of the free world.” The decision is obvious.

Again, though, Mr Swinney must tread cautiously. Not least because he has been openly critical of Donald Trump.

During the Presidential election campaign, Mr Swinney backed Kamala Harris. I believe that was, on balance, a slip. I understand the impetus, but these matters are better left to the participants.

However, I doubt this will have any impact on the North-east discussions. The agenda has moved on.

What, though, of Mr Swinney’s suggestion that the autumn state visit should be cancelled because of President Trump’s previously dismissive treatment of Ukraine?

Again, I think there is an obvious exit clause here. Mr Swinney wisely kept open the option of backing the visit if the President revived support for Ukraine. Which has happened – with Mr Trump transferring his discontent to Russia. For now.

John Swinney  (Image: Newsquest)

I do not believe, consequently, that there are any insurmountable obstacles confronting the FM in his discussions with President Trump.

Mr Swinney, of course, will not be able to give the US leader everything he seeks. Mr Trump says he wants to reinvigorate North Sea oil development – and, in the process, scrap “windmills”. Those renewable energy structures – including off the coast of his [[Aberdeen]]shire golf resort.

Should the issue arise, Mr Swinney will undoubtedly offer the same nuanced answer he deploys at Holyrood.

Finally, does the US still have a “special relationship” with the UK? Is there an extra special relationship with Scotland – where Mr Trump’s mother was raised?

Maybe, maybe. Although I would not be inclined to proclaim either with certainty, given the capricious nature of this most temperamental and self-centred leader.

Brian Taylor is a former political editor for BBC Scotland and a columnist for The Herald. He cherishes his family, the theatre – and Dundee United FC