A trade deal between the US and UK could be finalized “very quickly,” President Donald Trump stated during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at the White House. Trump expressed optimism about reaching “a real trade deal,” which would allow the UK to avoid tariffs the president has threatened on other trading partners.
Sir Keir’s visit to the White House was seen as a pivotal moment in his leadership, as he aimed to influence Trump on issues including Ukraine and trade. The prime minister began his visit by delivering a letter from King Charles, inviting Trump to an unprecedented second state visit to the UK. In a televised moment in the Oval Office, Trump called it a “great honor” and described King Charles as “a wonderful man.” Sir Keir highlighted the historic nature of the invitation, as US presidents typically only receive one state visit.
After accepting the invitation, Trump and Sir Keir answered questions from reporters for 30 minutes. Trump took the lead, discussing topics like the potential for a Ukraine peace deal and the UK’s agreement with Mauritius over the Chagos Islands.
During the flight to the US, Sir Keir reiterated his willingness to send British troops to Ukraine as part of a peace agreement but emphasized that US security guarantees were crucial to prevent Russian President Vladimir Putin from re-invading Ukraine. Trump, asked if he would offer such guarantees, suggested a minerals agreement with Ukraine could serve as a “backstop,” ensuring no one would “play around” with US workers in the country.
Trump was also asked about his previous remarks accusing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of being a “dictator.” Trump responded with surprise, saying, “Did I say that? I can’t believe I said that,” but later added that he had “a lot of respect” for Zelensky, who was scheduled to visit Washington DC that Friday.
One area of potential friction between the UK and US was the UK’s planned agreement with Mauritius over the Chagos Islands. The deal would see the UK transfer sovereignty of the Indian Ocean archipelago but retain control over Diego Garcia, home to a joint US-UK military base, by leasing it back. Trump expressed support for the UK’s approach, saying he was “inclined to go along with it.”
Following their Oval Office meeting, the two leaders held formal talks and a press conference, during which Trump repeatedly discussed the possibility of a US-UK trade deal, indicating it could be agreed “very quickly.” Sir Keir, however, focused on an economic agreement centered on the potential of artificial intelligence, noting that instead of over-regulating new technologies, the US and UK were seizing the opportunities they offer. He emphasized that artificial intelligence could be “a moon shot for our age” and might even help cure cancer, positioning it as a major innovation for the 21st century.
Trump has previously threatened to impose tariffs on many US allies, including a 25% tax on European goods, steel, and aluminum. Sir Keir attempted to dissuade Trump from imposing tariffs on the UK, to which Trump jokingly said, “He tried. He earned whatever the hell they pay him over there.” Trump suggested a trade deal could eliminate the need for tariffs between the two countries, stating, “I think we could very well end up with a real trade deal where the tariffs wouldn’t be necessary.”
Sir Keir emphasized that the US-UK trade relationship was “fair, balanced, and reciprocal.” Since the UK’s exit from the European Union, successive British leaders have sought a free trade deal with the US. In his first term, Trump spoke of a “very substantial” trade agreement, but negotiations stalled over disagreements about US agricultural exports and UK taxes on tech companies.
William Bain, head of trade policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, described the discussions between Trump and Sir Keir as an “important first step” in trade negotiations, noting that the relationship between the two leaders is “helpful” for moving forward. He added that keeping tariffs low would particularly benefit the UK’s automotive and pharmaceutical industries.
