Jul 31
Former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon Responds with Pride to Donald Trump
READ TIME: 2 MIN.
During a high-profile four-day visit to Scotland in late July 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump met with the current First Minister, John Swinney, at a private dinner and later at an official meeting. Following these engagements, Trump took the opportunity to praise Swinney while simultaneously criticizing his predecessor, Nicola Sturgeon, stating, “I didn’t have a lot of respect for the woman that preceded him. I thought she was terrible as a first minister of Scotland. But I think John is doing a very good job as first minister” .
Trump’s comments, widely reported in both UK and international media, reignited discussion about the former president’s fraught relationship with progressive leaders and his history of opposing LGBTQ+ rights .
Nicola Sturgeon, a well-known ally to LGBTQ+ communities and a prominent advocate for transgender rights during her tenure as First Minister, responded promptly on her Instagram Story. Sharing a screenshot of media coverage about Trump’s remarks, Sturgeon wrote, “Feeling was mutual, Donnie. Forever proud to represent all the things that offend your view of the world” .
She followed this with a light-hearted comment: “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.” The autobiography in question, titled *Frankly*, is scheduled for release in mid-August 2025 .
Sturgeon’s response was widely interpreted as a reaffirmation of her commitment to equality and inclusion, values she championed as First Minister. Under her leadership, Scotland advanced several progressive policies, including reforms to gender recognition legislation and expanded protections for transgender people . Her public support for LGBTQ+ rights has made her a respected figure among activists and community members across the UK and internationally.
By drawing a sharp distinction between her values and those espoused by Trump, Sturgeon’s remarks have been celebrated by LGBTQ+ organizations and allies as a demonstration of solidarity in the face of ongoing political resistance to equality measures .
The exchange has drawn significant attention on social media, with many LGBTQ+ individuals and allies expressing appreciation for Sturgeon’s unapologetic stance. Her response, blending humor and principle, was widely shared and discussed, further reinforcing her reputation as a defender of marginalized communities .
Trump’s visit and blunt critique also highlight the ongoing tension between progressive and conservative leadership on both sides of the Atlantic. For many in the LGBTQ+ community, Sturgeon’s words serve as a reminder of the importance of visible, vocal allies in government, particularly at a time when trans rights and broader LGBTQ+ protections remain contested issues in several countries .
As Sturgeon prepares to release her autobiography, which will reportedly detail her encounters with political figures including Trump, her latest comments affirm her enduring commitment to the values of equality, inclusion, and pride .
