During the first day of his three-day visit to the UK, President Donald Trump urged the country to move forward with Brexit, promising a trade deal with the United States shortly after.
Using his favorite medium, Trump said on Twitter that the kingdom should free itself of the “shackles” of the European Union, before attending a banquet hosted by Queen Elizabeth II.
“London part of trip is going really well. The Queen and the entire Royal family have been fantastic. The relationship with the United Kingdom is very strong… Great love all around. Also, big Trade Deal is possible once U.K. gets rid of the shackles. Already starting to talk!” Trump tweeted on Monday.
In a statement issued shortly after the President’s tweet, the White House said that Trump supports a Brexit “accomplished in a way that will not affect global economic and financial stability while also securing independence to the United Kingdom.”
The United Kingdom is currently preparing to appoint a new prime minister, after Theresa May announced her resignation in late May, following her multiple failed attempts to negotiate a Brexit deal with the EU. Trump has suggested that former Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson become the next British prime minister.
Prior to his trip, the President also said that Nigel Farage, who is campaigning for a no-deal Brexit, should be in charge of talks with the EU and that the UK should leave Brexit talks and refuse to pay the divorce bill if Brussels does not negotiate better terms.
If the UK remains bound by EU regulations, options for a trade deal with the U.S. would be significantly narrowed compared to a no-deal scenario where the country would be free to strike any deal it wishes. As a result, the President blasted May’s attempt last year to negotiate a compromise deal with the bloc, saying that in that case, Britain would “not be able to trade with us.”
In comparison, Johnson has promised to take the country out of the EU by all means necessary, including with no deal.
Trump and May will meet British business leaders on Tuesday when the outgoing prime minister is expected to urge governments on both sides to grasp the opportunity to seal a bilateral free-trade agreement.
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