Asked how he would describe the particular relationship, the US president responded: “With who?”
Upon clarification by the reporter, external that he was referring to the UK, Trump mentioned: “It’s the relationship where when we asked them for help, they were not there. When we needed them, they were not there.
“When we did not want them, they weren’t there. And they nonetheless aren’t there.”
Pressed further on the relationship, Trump said it had “been higher, however it’s unhappy”.
“And we gave them a great trade deal. Better than I needed to. Which can always be modified.”
In May last year, the UK became the first country to agree a tariff deal with President Trump after his return to office, cutting some import taxes on cars, aluminium and steel.
The relationship between the two countries’ leaders has in recent weeks shown signs of strain over the Middle East. Trump has frequently criticised Sir Keir over his approach to the war, including on one occasion calling him “no Winston Churchill”.
