He told the BBC’s The Sunday Show that John Sweeney wanted to exploit Donald Trump’s Scottish connections in an attempt to avoid tariffs on imports into the US.
The First Minister confirmed that he had highlighted the importance of trade between the countries, particularly Scotch whisky, in a call with the US president-elect last month.
Sweeney said Trump, whose mother was from Lewes, expressed ‘enthusiasm’ for Scotland and ‘pride’ for his business interests in the country.
Trump has repeatedly promised to impose tariffs on all US imports after his inauguration on January 20.