Donald Trump has offered a revealing insight into his relationship with Sir Keir Starmer – describing the Prime Minister as a “liberal” but praising his leadership and his willingness to strike a post-Brexit trade deal with the US. Speaking to the BBC’s chief Northn American political correspondent Gary O’Donoghue on Radio 4’s Today programme on Tuesday, the US President confirmed he would meet Sir Keir during a visit to Scotland later this month, ahead of a formal state visit in September.
Mr Trump said: “I really like the Prime Minister a lot. Even though he’s a liberal, I think he’s… you know, he did a good trade deal with us, which a lot of countries haven’t been able to do.” The billionaire also had warm words for King Charles, who he described as “a great gentleman”. Asked what he hoped to achieve during the state visit, Mr Trump said: “I want to have a good time and respect to King Charles, because he’s a great gentleman.” When asked about the King’s recent role opening Canada’s Parliament, Mr Trump played down the suggestion it had wider political significance.
He said: “I didn’t view it as anything. Look, they’re wrapped up with Canada, so what’s he going to do? He has no choice.”
Mr Trump was similarly relaxed about the prospect of not being able to deliver a speech to MPs during his visit, given Parliament will be in recess.
The US President said: “Let them go and have a good time.”
Turning to Britain’s global role, Mr Trump appeared supportive of the UK’s position post-Brexit but suggested more could have been done in the immediate aftermath of leaving the European Union.
He said: “I think it’s been on the sloppy side, but I think it’s getting straightened out.”
The UK, he added, remained one of America’s most trusted allies.
He explained: “The UK is very special, and it’s been there for a long time. They’ve been a really true ally.”
Mr Trump also said Britain stood apart from many NATO members when it came to defending shared values.
He said: “I believe that the UK would fight with us. There’s something about it. It’s just been so many years, and I really think the relationship is just a really great one.”
“I’m not sure that a lot of the other countries would be with us, which is unfair, because we pay far more than anybody else.”
Pointing to the broader breakdown in US-EU trade talks, Mr Trump indicated that Britain’s alignment with Washington was part of the reason it had succeeded where others had not.
He said: “That’s why I made a deal with them. I haven’t made deals with most of the others.”
Mr Trump’s visit will be his second state visit to the UK, after being hosted by the late Queen Elizabeth in 2019.