Trump backs off earlier comments, praises May
President and British prime minister offer an image of unity
ELLESBOUROUGH, England – President Donald Trump on Friday attempted to downplay searing remarks he made to a London newspaper about British Prime Minister Theresa May and said he apologized to her for what he described as a “fake” story.
Standing alongside May at the prime minister’s country retreat, Trump retreated from comments The Sun published hours earlier in which he criticized her plan to withdraw from the European Union. Instead, Trump heaped praise on May and touted the strong relationship between the two countries.
“I have a lot of respect for the prime minister,” Trump said before turning to the issue of the U.K.’s effort to pull out of the European Union. “Whatever you’re gonna do is OK with us.”
Throughout their press conference, Trump and May sidestepped questions about the interview as they sought to present an image of unity. They held hands as they walked down four ancient, brick steps into a garden overlooking the East English countryside.
The president denied criticizing May in the story, argued that The Sun did not include his positive comments, described the piece as “fake news” and said he had a recording of the interview to prove it.
The Sun, which is owned by Rupert Murdoch, released audio of the interview after the story was published.
But the tabloid broadside nevertheless appeared to overshadow what was supposed to be a friendly meeting and raised questions about the two leaders’ ability to strike a deal on trade that May’s government is eager to reach.
In the Sun interview, published soon after May hosted Trump at a black-tie dinner at Blenheim Palace, the president cast his lot with the Brexiteers, the conservative faction that wants a complete split with the European government in Brussels. Trump told The Sun that a trade deal with the U.S. would likely not happen if May’s plan to keep close trade ties with the EU goes ahead.
He also said Boris Johnson, who quit as foreign secretary this week over May’s Brexit plan, would be a “great prime minister.”
Trump’s U.K. trip is part of a sevenday, European tour intended to shore up alliances before Trump meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki on Monday.
Trump sought to lower expectations for that meeting during the press conference. He said he intended to discuss nuclear proliferation, Moscow’s meddling in the 2016 presidential election as well as Russian’s annexation of Crimea – but suggested that building a relationship with Putin was his top goal.
Trump said he would raise Russian meddling in the election, but added he didn’t expect much on the issue from Putin, who has steadfastly denied involvement.
An hour’s drive away in central London, tens of thousands of protesters banged drums and shouted slogans to show their disapproval of Trump’s policies, especially on immigration. Their battle flag: a 20-foot inflatable blimp in the shape of a diaper-wearing Trump, flying in the skies above Westminster.