Trump talks about Brexit, Mexico, Sadiq Khan, and a pending trade deal with the United Kingdom.
At the press conference in London, Prime Minister Theresa May said that although she and the President may “differ sometimes” in methods of facing challenges there is a “precious and profound” relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom.The pair stood side by side and as they answered questions regarding Brexit, trade deals, and more.
Brexit and The US UK Trade Deal
In late May, the Prime Minister announced her plans to resign on June 7, 2019. President Trump said that it had been a “true honor” to work with the Prime Minister and that he had “greatly enjoyed” advancing “greatest alliance the world has ever known.”
Prime Minister May still firmly believes that Brexit is what is best for the British people, and said that it would be up to her successor to continue Brexit efforts.
President Trump weighed in expressing his belief that Brexit “will happen” and that “something will take place in the not too distant future.”
President Trump indicated that Prime Minister May “deserves a lot of credit” for Brexit even though she didn’t sue the European Union as he believes he would’ve done if placed under the same circumstances.
“As the UK makes preparations to exit the European Union, the United States is committed to a phenomenal trade deal between the US and the UK,” said Trump.
The president affirmed his belief in the tremendous potential of a trade agreement between the two countries and said that “everything is on the table.” He went even further to say that “there are absolutely no limitations” in regards to the trade talks
Sadiq Khan
The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, was far less enthusiastic about Trump’s visit to the United Kingdom. Sadiq Khan and Donald Trump have been involved in somewhat of a feud as of late.
On June 3, 2019, @realDonaldTrump tweeted, “@SadiqKhan, who by all accounts has done a terrible job as Mayor of London, has been foolishly “nasty” to the visiting President of the United States, by far the most important ally of the United Kingdom. He is a stone cold loser who should focus on crime in London, not me……”
Following suit Sadiq Khan also took to Twitter to hash out his feelings about Donald Trump. In a video published earlier today, Sadiq Khan said that London disagreed with Trump’s stance on immigration and other policy issues.
He compared the relationship of the US and UK to that of “best mates” and said that best mates wouldn’t really be best mates if they didn’t call each other out in times of wrongdoing.
The London mayor also approved of protest efforts, including the infamous Trump baby balloon. President Trump said that a lot of the protests are “fake news” that was “put in for political reasons.”
“He should be positive and not negative,” said President Trump about Khan. “He hurts the people of this great country.”
Mexico and Immigration
Despite Mexico’s recently increased immigration measures, the United States is still set to impose five percent tariffs beginning next week. The hope of President Trump is that these tariffs will encourage officials to make drastic changes to immigration policy and border security.
“There’s nothing more important than borders,” the President declared when asked about Mexico. “I want to see security at our border.”
He also warned that it would be “foolish” of Republicans to try and stop him from imposing such tariffs. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo along with other United States officials will be meeting with Mexico on Wednesday for negotiations.
President Trump also took a shot at Democrats. “They don’t want to pass laws that could be passed in 15 minutes,” he said.
Although the President believes that Democrats are stopping something that “in one day could change,” he blames Mexico as well for allowing “millions” of people into the United States.
President Trump claimed that Mexico had “something to prove” and urged them to “step up.”
If Mexico does nothing the tariffs will continue to increase each month. It is the belief of President Trump that these high tariffs will either force companies out of Mexico and back into the United States ultimately strengthening the economy or force Mexico to make policy and security changes.