Scots go to war over Trump: SNP leader John Swinney is slammed by furious Green ally for sending congratulations to 'racist and misogynist' president-elect

SNP leader John Swinney was embroiled in an extraordinary clash with his Green ally over Donald Trump today.

The Scottish First Minister was berated by Patrick Harvie for congratulating the president-elect at Holyrood this afternoon.

During the regular session of questions, a visibly furious Mr Harvie demanded to know why Mr Swinney sent a message to a 'misogynist, a climate denier, a fraudster, a conspiracy monger, a racist and a far-right politician'.

But Mr Swinney - whose SNP was until recently in a formal alliance with the Greens - insisted he was only trying to 'maintain good relationships between Scotland and the US'.

The brutal exchanges came as left-wing politicians struggle to come to terms with Mr Trump's stunning victory over Kamala Harris in the US election.

Keir Starmer has been trying to smooth over jibes at the Republican by senior Labour figures including Foreign Secretary David Lammy .

Speaking during First Minister's Questions at Holyrood on Thursday, Mr Harvie said: 'Yesterday the First Minister offered his congratulations to the convicted felon Donald Trump on his re-election.

'Writing officially, on behalf of the Scottish Government, he wrote that he is sure Scotland's cultural and social ties with the US will flourish during the presidency of a misogynist, a climate denier, a fraudster, a conspiracy monger, a racist and a far-right politician who tried to overturn an election result both by covert threats and by inciting violence.

'Words fail me.

'What social and cultural ties does the First Minister really think will benefit from a relationship with such a man?

'What has the First Minister done so far to offer empathy and solidarity to those marginalised and vulnerable people most directly threatened by a second Trump term?'

Responding to Mr Harvie, Mr Swinney argued he has a 'duty' to represent the people of Scotland.

'I think there are deep cultural, social and economic ties with Scotland and the USA and I think they are important,' he said.

'They're important for employment in our economy, they're important for the cultural expression of our country and for the way in which we are able to pursue those objectives.'

The SNP leader – who endorsed Democratic nominee Kamala Harris – said while there are 'real differences' between himself and Mr Trump, he 'can't deny the existence of links between Scotland and the US.'

Mr Swinney added: 'Regardless of the presidential choice in the United States, I want to maintain good relationships between Scotland and the US.

'What I would say to Mr Harvie, and I think he knows me well enough to know, is that the concerns of people who are marginalised in our society, who feel under threat, are questions and concerns I wrestle with every day as First Minister.

'Because I stood here and I pledged to be the First Minister of all of Scotland, and that's entirely what I intend to do.'

The Greens co-leader accused Mr Swinney of 'extraordinary complacency at a time of incredible danger for the world'.

Mr Harvie said Mr Trump had 'peddled climate conspiracy theories for many years' and that he is a danger to climate policy across the world.

The First Minister said: 'No change of government in the US is going to change this Government's attitude about the imperative of addressing the climate emergency.'

Mr Swinney sent a congratulatory letter to Mr Trump yesterday and another to vice-president-elect JD Vance.

He said in his letter: 'The United States of America is Scotland's most important market and source of inward investment, but it is much more than that.

'Many people of Scottish descent, including yourself, have worked hard to shape the United States into a global power.

'We greatly appreciate the strong and lasting social, cultural and economic ties we have with the United States and are sure that these will continue to flourish during your presidency. I wish you every success in your new role.'