Effusive Trump Promises Britain A “Phenomenal” Post-Brexit Trade Deal
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday promised Britain a “phenomenal” post-Brexit trade deal, dismissed differences over China’s Huawei and glossed over other disagreements as he heaped praise on the United States’ closest ally.
“It’s the greatest alliance the world has ever known,” Trump told reporters at a news conference beside Prime Minister Theresa May at Britain’s Foreign Office.
Prior to his trip, the collapse of May’s premiership over her failure to secure Britain’s exit from the European Union had raised concerns that Trump could publicly humiliate her. Instead, Trump called May a “tremendous professional”.
Trump mentioned Boris Johnson, who has said the United Kingdom should leave the EU on Oct. 31, deal or no deal, and Jeremy Hunt, Britain’s foreign minister who has warned against leaving without a deal.
A key area of discord between the allies has been Britain’s preliminary decision to allow Huawei a restricted role in building parts of its 5G network.
The Trump administration has told allies not to use Huawei’s 5G technology and equipment because of fears it could allow China to spy on sensitive communications and data and warned it could impact on intelligence-sharing. But, after a meeting with May, Trump said any issues could be resolved.
“We have an incredible intelligence relationship and will be able to work out any differences,” Trump said.
“This is a great, great country and it wants its own identity, it wants to have its own borders, it wants to run its own affairs,” he said.
