Donald Trump branded Nicola Sturgeon a “terrible first minister” as he made his way back to Washington following a working holiday in Scotland.
The US President spoke to reporters aboard Air Force One after departing the country on Tuesday evening, adding he “didn’t have a lot of respect” for the former first minister of Scotland.
“I have a lot of respect for [current First Minister John Swinney],” Trump said.
“And I didn’t have a lot of respect for the woman that preceded him. I thought she was terrible as first minister of Scotland. I think [Swinney] is doing a very good job.”
Posting on her Instagram account, Sturgeon said: “Feeling was mutual, Donnie. Forever proud to represent all the things that offend your view of the world.”
Sturgeon later posted: “PS I am raging that it’s too late to put Donald’s ‘endorsement’ on the front cover of my book. I suppose I’ll just have to wait for the paperback.
“You can of course read all about my ‘interactions’ with Trump in said book.”
A source close to Sturgeon said: “Trump’s lack of respect for women is hardly news. That said, the feeling was entirely mutual.”
Sturgeon quipped “don’t haste ye back” after Trump left office for the first time in 2020.
Trump hit back in 2023 when Sturgeon resigned as first minister. He criticised the SNP’s Gender Reform Bill and said the people of Scotland were “much better off” without her in office.
Trump was in Scotland for a five-day working holiday over the weekend.
He landed at Prestwick Airport on Friday evening, and played multiple rounds of golf at his two Scottish golf resorts in Ayrshire and Aberdeenshire during his trip.
After meeting with the Prime Minister and First Minister, Trump cut the ribbon on the 18-hole course at Trump International Golf Links on the Menie Estate on Tuesday.
Sturgeon stood down as first minister in 2023.
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