theglobalsun – A UK-US trade deal could be finalized “very quickly”. President Donald Trump stated during a joint press conference with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at the White House. Trump suggested that such an agreement could help the UK avoid tariffs. Unlike other US trading partners facing increased trade restrictions.
Sir Keir’s visit to Washington was seen as a crucial moment in his premiership. He aimed to strengthen UK-US relations and influence Trump’s positions on key issues, including trade and Ukraine.
During the visit, Sir Keir presented Trump with a letter from King Charles. King Charles officially inviting him for a second state visit to the UK. Traditionally, US presidents only receive one state visit, making this offer “truly historic,” according to Sir Keir.
Receiving the invitation in the Oval Office, Trump expressed his gratitude, calling it a “great honor” and describing King Charles as “a wonderful man”. He confirmed that he would accept the invitation.
Following the exchange, Trump and Starmer held a 30-minute press conference, answering questions from reporters. Discussions focused on the potential trade deal, which both leaders view as a strategic opportunity to enhance economic cooperation while avoiding potential tariffs on UK goods.
Trump and Starmer Address Ukraine, Trade, and Security at White House
During their White House press conference, former US President Donald Trump dominated the discussion, outlining his views on several key issues, including a potential Ukraine peace deal, the UK’s trade negotiations with Mauritius over the Chagos Islands, and the future of US-UK relations.
On his way to the US, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reaffirmed his willingness to send British troops to Ukraine as part of a peace agreement. However, he stressed that without US security guarantees, Russian President Vladimir Putin could launch another invasion.
When asked if he would offer such guarantees, Trump pointed to a minerals agreement with Ukraine, which he plans to sign on Friday, suggesting it could act as a security backstop. He stated that if US workers were involved in Ukraine’s mineral sector, no country would “play around” with the region.
Trump also faced questions about whether he still considered Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky a “dictator”. He initially expressed surprise at the claim, saying, “Did I say that? I can’t believe I said that.” However, he later clarified that he has “a lot of respect” for Zelensky and will host him in Washington, DC, on Friday.
The meeting highlighted ongoing diplomatic challenges, with both leaders seeking to strengthen alliances while navigating complex global security and trade issues.
Trump Backs UK’s Chagos Islands Agreement with Mauritius
A potential UK-US trade deal was a key topic during Sir Keir Starmer’s White House visit, but another issue also surfaced—the UK’s planned agreement with Mauritius over the Chagos Islands. While some saw this as a possible point of contention, Donald Trump expressed support for the UK’s approach.
“I’m inclined to go along with it,” Trump said, signaling no opposition to the UK’s decision to cede sovereignty of the Indian Ocean archipelago while retaining control over Diego Garcia, a strategic US-UK military airbase through a lease agreement.
After meeting in the Oval Office, Trump and Starmer continued discussions and later held a formal press conference, where Trump repeatedly stressed that the US and UK could finalize a trade deal “very quickly.”
AI, Trade, and the Future of US-UK Relations
Rather than focusing solely on trade, Starmer highlighted AI cooperation as a major priority. He proposed an economic partnership centered on artificial intelligence, arguing that the UK and US must lead the next wave of technological advancements.
“Instead of over-regulating these new technologies, we’re seizing the opportunities they offer,” he said. He emphasized that AI could transform industries, even stating, “Artificial intelligence could cure cancer. That could be a moon shot for our age.”
Trump’s Stance on Tariffs and UK Trade
Trump has repeatedly threatened tariffs, including a 25% import tax on goods from the EU and steel and aluminum entering the US, which could impact the UK.
When asked if Starmer tried to dissuade him from imposing tariffs, Trump replied, “He tried. He worked hard, I tell you that. He earned whatever the hell they pay him over there.”
However, Trump also hinted at a trade deal that could remove the need for tariffs, stating, “I think we could very well end up with a real trade deal where the tariffs wouldn’t be necessary. We’ll see.”
The British Chambers of Commerce welcomed the discussions, calling them “an important first step” toward stronger economic ties. Trade experts believe a low-tariff deal would be especially beneficial for the UK’s automotive and pharmaceutical industries.
