Anger as First Minister snubs Trump invitation

IRST Minister Eluned Morgan's decision to reject an invitation to attend a state dinner in honour of Donald Trump has sparked anger.

- RUTH MOSALSKI Political editor [e-mail]

The state banquet was held at Windsor Castle on Wednesday night, with the King, Queen and royals including Prince William and Catherine in attendance.

Also present were some of the leading figures in the US tech industry, including Tim Cook, the boss of Apple, Jason Huang, head of chip firm Nvidia, and Sam Altman, chief executive of Open AL. Alongside them were political leaders from both sides of the Atlantic including US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

However, First Minister Eluned Morgan’s spokesperson said she was attending a private engagement that same evening for Labour Party members to mark the death of their colleague Hefin David.

Tuesday's return to the Senedd was opened with tributes to the former Caerphilly Senedd member, who died in August. Members of his family and friends were in the public gallery as tributes were paid by colleagues from across the political spectrum.

It is unclear when the invitation to the banquet was received or when Wednesday night's engagement with Senedd members was arranged.

The King announced in July that the President and his wife had accepted his invitation for a state visit.

According to BBC Wales, the Welsh Government said Ms Morgan wrote to the King to “thank him for his gracious invite” but “her place is here with colleagues as she continues to support them during this incredibly difficult time”.

The United States is Wales’ second-biggest trading partner after the European Union. Ms Morgan had previously warned that tariffs being imposed by the US President would hit Wales harder than England.