Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander says King Charles negotiated with U.S. President Donald Trump to secure the removal of tariffs affecting Scotch whisky, according to reports from multiple outlets. Alexander frames the allegation as part of an exchange over the whisky trade and the impact of U.S. tariffs on Scottish producers. He also responds to criticism around the comments, accusing others of “banal point scoring.” The reports indicate Alexander is attributing the claim to discussions between the King and the U.S. president, presenting it as a development that could influence trade outcomes for Scotch. The coverage reflects that the dispute is primarily political in tone, focusing on how the claim is made and what motives opponents may have in raising or contesting it. While both outlets report Alexander’s accusation and his explanation linking it to a deal or agreement involving U.S. tariffs, neither provides additional detailed documentation of the negotiations in the shared excerpts. The story therefore centers on Alexander’s statement and the controversy it generates over the whisky tariff issue and the role of the King in relation to U.S. policy.