THE Scottish Government must make it clear Donald Trump is not welcome in the country if he visits, Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie has said.
The warning comes on the fourth anniversary of the January 6 riots when the US Capitol Building was attacked by a mob of Trump supporters two months after his defeat in the 2020 election.
Trump refused to acknowledge he had lost to Joe Biden, claiming the 2020 election was tainted by widespread fraud.
On January 6, 2021, the day Congress was to certify the results of that election, Trump held a rally on the Ellipse with the White House in the background and urged thousands of his supporters to march down Pennsylvania Avenue to the Capitol and “fight like hell.”
Trump’s son Eric has said the president-elect will visit Scotland later this year for the opening of a new course in Aberdeenshire.
But Harvie has said the Scottish Government must play no part in welcoming him to these shores.
“Four years ago Donald Trump was inciting rioters to storm the Capitol and block the democratic process,” Harvie said.
“In the time since, he has doubled down on right-wing conspiracy theories and refused to show even the slightest shred of contrition or regret.
“The thought of four more years of a racist, climate-wrecking and misogynistic Donald Trump in the White House is one that should concern us all. We cannot stand aside or condone the divisive and hateful politics that he represents.
“With the prospect of Donald Trump coming to Scotland for the opening of his golf course, it is crucial that our government takes a stand for human rights, equality and the other values that Trump has done so much to oppose.
Harvie added that while political relationships with other nations are important, he said these should be focused on those who share “civilised values”.
Trump will take office at the presidential inauguration on Monday, January 20.
Harvie also reiterated calls for an investigation into Trump’s business assets in Scotland in light of a legal case in the US.
The party has called for the Trump Organisation’s Scottish golf courses to be investigated via an unexplained wealth order (UWO).
First Minister John Swinney said last month Trump had indicated “willingness and enthusiasm” to come to Scotland in a phone call between the pair.
The Greens have since gone hard on the FM following the call, with co-leader Lorna Slater calling for the US President-elect’s "climate-destroying" and "racist politics" to not be part of Scotland’s future.
Swinney said while he recognised there will be political differences from one government to another, he insisted he had a “duty to promote and to protect the interests of Scotland”.
The First Minister also defended congratulating Trump on his victory.
When Harvie condemned the move at FMQs, Swinney similarly said that he has a “duty” as First Minister to “engage with other governments” and to “represent the people of Scotland” in that process.
He added that the cultural, social and economic ties between Scotland and the US are “important” for both employment and cultural expression.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “As the First Minister said in the Scottish Parliament, while there will be political differences from one government to another, it is the duty of the Scottish Government to promote and protect the interests of Scotland.
“The USA is one of Scotland’s most important markets and source of inward investment. We greatly appreciate the strong and lasting social, cultural and economic ties we have with the United States. Scottish Ministers will work to make sure these ties continue to flourish, consistent with the values that underpin Scotland and the United States."
