Washington, D.C.: A new trade deal between the United States and the United Kingdom could be finalised “very quickly,” President Donald Trump said during a joint press conference with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at the White House.
Trump voiced optimism about securing “a real trade deal” that could exempt the UK from tariffs he has risked against other trading partners. The meeting, a key moment in Starmer’s premiership, focused on trade, Ukraine, and other global issues.
During the visit, Starmer proposed Trump with a letter from King Charles, inviting him to a second state visit to the UK. Accepting the invitation, Trump called it a “great honour” and described the King as “a wonderful man.” Starmer said the invitation was “truly historic,” as US presidents traditionally accept only one state visit.
On the flight to the US, Starmer restated his willingness to send British troops to Ukraine as part of a potential peace deal but warned that without US security guarantees, Russia could re-invade. Trump, when pressed on the issue, indicated that a minerals agreement with Ukraine, set to be signed, could act as a “backstop” against further aggression.
Trump was also challenged on past remarks referring to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as a “dictator.” Initially unsure if he had made the statement, he later clarified, stating he had “a lot of respect” for Zelensky.
On the UK’s planned agreement with Mauritius over the Chagos Islands, Trump indicated support, stating he was “inclined to go along with it.” The deal would see the UK cede sovereignty over the Indian Ocean territory while maintaining control of Diego Garcia, a key military base shared with the US, through a leasing arrangement.
In addition to trade, Starmer highlighted collaboration on artificial intelligence, stating that the US and UK would work on an economic agreement to maximize AI’s potential. Starmer stated that, “Instead of over-regulating these new technologies, we’re holding the opportunities they offer,” adding that AI advancements could be “a moonshot for our age” with potential breakthroughs like curing cancer.
Trump has threatened tariffs on imports from various allies, including a 25 percent tax on European goods and all steel and aluminium entering the US—a policy that could impact the UK. Asked whether Starmer had attempted to dissuade him from imposing tariffs, Trump confirmed that, “He tried,” adding that, “He earned whatever the hell they pay him over there.”
Starmer, making the case for a tariff-free trade agreement, described the US-UK economic relationship as “fair, balanced, and reciprocal.” He noted that British leaders have long sought a general free trade deal with the US following Brexit.
Negotiations previously stalled during Trump’s first term due to disagreements over US agricultural exports and UK digital taxes. However, Trump’s latest comments suggest renewed momentum toward a potential deal.
As discussions continue, both leaders have signalled a dedication to strengthening US-UK relations in trade, security, and emerging technologies.
MOST READ | COP16 Countries finalize deal to fund Global Biodiversity Conservation
