The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Pair will have ‘sensational’ relationship
Donald Trump is not likely to harbour a grudge over Boris Johnson’s criticisms of him, the US ambassador to the UK has said, as he drew similarities between the two leaders.
Woody Johnson suggested the US president would be relaxed about the prime minister having accused him of “stupefying ignorance” and criticising his “go back” comments, which were widely condemned as racist.
The ambassador yesterday predicted a “sensational” relationship between the two leaders and said they “have so much more in common” in what they want to achieve for the two countries.
As London mayor in 2015, Boris Johnson accused Mr Trump of “stupefying ignorance” and being “unfit” for the White House when the then-presidential candidate called for a ban on Muslims entering the US.
Washington’s man in London told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme he is “sure” Mr Trump is aware of the criticism, which he said may have been an “odd comment at the time”.
“Donald Trump is going to say what he wants to say, when he wants to say it,” the ambassador said.
“And he will comment on injustices or inabilities or how he sees it and I think he respects Boris for the same. Boris is going to call it as he sees it.
“I think they have so much more in common in terms of what they want to accomplish for the good of both of our nations.”
Mr Johnson refused to call Mr Trump’s recent “go back” remarks to four congresswomen of colour racist, as many did, but he did brand them completely unacceptable in rare criticism of the president.
Asked if Mr Trump will hold the comments against the PM, the ambassador said: “I think the president is going to try and move the ball forward.
“The UK is our most important ally both in security and also in prosperity.
“You are very important and he knows that and he’s made some comments regarding a free trade agreement and putting the UK at the front of the line.”
The president has heaped praise on the PM and drawn his own comparisons, even suggesting Boris Johnson is the “Britain Trump”.