Trump aide accuses First Minister of racist ‘smear’
DONALD Trump’s former strategist has used his visit to Scotland to accuse Nicola Sturgeon of smearing him – after she said he holds ‘racist views’.
Steve Bannon, who worked on the US President’s election campaign, criticised the First Minister during a conference in Edinburgh yesterday.
Miss Sturgeon withdrew from the event due to Mr Bannon’s involvement, saying she would ‘not be part of any process that risks legitimising or normalising far-Right, racist views’.
Yesterday, he told the BBC’s Scotland Editor Sarah Smith: ‘It is a smear to say it’s racist or xenophobic – it’s just too simple a smear. These are not racist views – in fact, populist nationalism is the exact opposite. What we’re trying to do in the US is make sure we’re not flooded with illegal alien labour.’
Mr Bannon’s presence at the News Xchange 2018 conference at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre also drew protests – nearly 100 people carried placards reading, ‘No to racism, no to Trump’, with chants of ‘Bannon out’.
The demonstration’s organiser, Penny Gower of Stand Up to Racism – Scotland, said: ‘I’m appalled he was invited and given the platform.
‘It’s giving him the belief he is an influential man.’
The Scottish Government said: ‘The First Minister made clear she would not participate in this event, as to share a platform with Steve Bannon would be inappropriate.’