Marie Comments on the President of the United States, Donald Trump's second State Visit.
Wednesday 16th September 2025
When President Trump was elected last November, I spoke about the need for sensible, practical and pragmatic engagement from our own politicians with the incoming US administration.
Writing in the Times, I said:
America has elected Trump as its President for the next four years whether we like it or not. We can either look the other way, or we can seek to work with and influence his administration in as positive and productive ways as possible.
You don’t have to agree with all, or any, of Trump’s rhetoric to agree that it is better to work for the common good regardless of who occupies the White House. If our political and business leaders are prepared to be pragmatists by engaging wherever possible, we can hope not only to help steer Trump’s second presidency in the most positive direction possible, but also to reap a share of the benefits, including here in Scotland.
As President Trump is welcomed to the UK this week for his second States Visit, I am pleased that such an approach is indeed being taken forward by both the Scottish and UK Governments. The State Visit itself is evidence of that, as was last week’s visit to the White House by First Minister John Swinney to discuss the issue of tariffs on Scotch whisky.
There is much to be gained by such pragmatic engagement. That does not mean having to agree on everything. It does mean working together wherever possible for the common good.