Troubling trump

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It is interesting that Brexiteers have praised Donald Trump’s recent tour. But the reality is that the president is not good for his country or the world.

He claimed in a British newspaper that the US could not negotiate with the UK given the Chequers plan, but when he met Theresa May he had changed his mind. Is he consistent or clueless?

He lavished praise on Russia, forgetting that this country has been breaching sanctions with North Korea and interfering with democracy everywhere. Even loyal Republicans (for once) could not stomach his abject betrayal of national interests. He advised Theresa May to sue the EU. But where would this be heard except in European law courts, which would claim that the consequences of leaving are all selfinflicted.

So to understand why Brexiteers admire Donald Trump and fail to see the obvious flaws one has to recognise that ‘they would, wouldn’t they?’ – “Having the US on our side is the straw we need to clutch at to keep the voters happy. The big trade deal with the US will make all the hardship of Brexit worth while.”

ANDREW VASS Corbiehill Place, Edinburgh

It was perhaps inevitable that Americans would elect someone like Donald Trump, who is presiding over the US as a chief executive officer would over a global corporation.

Although a surprise to many, it should not have been when one considers that the US electorate are culturally taught to aspire to be someone like him (the “American Dream”): one who has overcome all competition to become extremely wealthy and powerful.

In doing so, he may not have given much thought to those he has trodden underfoot. And, as previously with business competitors, now with countries (“foes”).

Britain is not far behind in its emulation, and it won’t be long before we, too, elect a Prime Minister who primarily governs, maybe not as a CEO, but certainly as the chief spokesperson for UK corporations.

Unless, of course, we decide that governments and corporations should be there to serve us, not we them.

GEOFF NAYLOR Winchester, Hampshire