JOHN Swinney was challenged by Scottish Greens co-leader Lorna Slater on his recent phone call with Donald Trump at FMQs.
Slater has called for the US President-elect’s "climate-destroying" and "racist politics" to not be part of Scotland’s future.
She urged the First Minister to stand up to Trump.
“Donald Trump’s climate destroying, racist and conspiracy-theory based politics are endangering people and planet, and are the exact opposite of the future that we want for Scotland," she said.
“Here in Scotland we proudly welcome refugees and immigrants as ‘new Scots.’ We value democracy, our environment, and the rule of law," added Slater.
“First Minister, how can it be in Scotland’s interests to court the favours of someone like Donald Trump?”
Then Slater discussed the impact of Trump-style politics on Scotland and voiced her support for compassionate policies, such as extending free bus travel to asylum seekers.
In her second question, Slater said: “There is a risk to such a friendly approach. Already we see the Trumpification in Scottish politics.
“All week the Tories have been working to demonise people seeking asylum, and to pit one group of vulnerable people against another. It is shameful.
“At the same time, we’re seeing the rights of refugees and LGBTQ+ folks coming under attack from Westminster policies.
“Will the First Minister stand up to Donald Trump, stand up for human rights, equality and democracy, and will he make clear that we are proud of compassionate and humane policies like the extension of free bus travel to people seeking asylum?”
Swinney stated that he had a phone call with Trump last Tuesday, during which the president-elect "spoke positively about Scotland".
"I'm in absolute agreements about the importance of democratic processes and the rule of law, and I believe that is fundamentally part of my being, the acceptance of that point.
"But there will, of course, I recognise be political differences from one government to another, but I also have a duty to promote and to protect the interests of Scotland.
"President Trump and I had an introductory call at his request on Tuesday evening, and he spoke positively about Scotland."
