Trump hails ties with UK despite Brexit criticism

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Europe

02:15

US President Donald Trump on Friday played down his attack on Britain's plans for Brexit, praising Prime Minister Theresa May and insisting bilateral relations "have never been stronger," even as tens of thousands protested in London against his visit.

Trump's first official trip to Britain was overshadowed by his warning that May's plans for close ties with the EU would "kill" a future US trade deal, echoing concerns among eurosceptics in her Conservative party.

US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk across the tarmac after stepping off Air Force One as they arrive at London's Stansted Airport, July 12, 2018. /AP Photo

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'Terrific woman'

Following talks at May's country retreat of Chequers, Trump suggested he might have been hasty in his comments over her negotiating strategy for leaving the EU.

"Whatever you do is okay with us, just make sure we can trade together, that's all that matters," he told May at a press conference in the grounds of the 16th-century manor house.

"The US looks forward to finalizing a great bilateral trade deal," he said, and repeatedly praised May's leadership, saying she was a "terrific woman."

US President Donald Trump is greeted by British Prime Minister Theresa May at Chequers, in Buckinghamshire, July 13, 2018. /AP Photo

Possible free trade agreement

Trump said Friday that after speaking with May's officials and trade experts a UK-US trade deal "will be possible."

May confirmed they had agreed to seek an "ambitious" free trade agreement, adding "I'm clear our plan delivers on what the British people voted for."

US President Donald Trump gestures while speaking during his meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May at Chequers, in Buckinghamshire, July 13, 2018. /AP Photo

Cooperation on defense

The two leaders also emphasized their continued cooperation on defense and security, after earlier watching a display of special forces from both countries at the military academy at Sandhurst.

Trump thanked May for her support at a testy NATO summit this week in Brussels, where he subjected America's allies to a roasting over their defense spending.

'Tremendous woman'

The president followed his Chequers meeting by having tea with Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle alongside first lady Melania Trump.

Trump’s first visit to Britain as president was not the full state visit he was originally promised, but he was heralded by military bands on his arrival at Windsor.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II (right) stands with US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania in the Quadrangle as Coldstream Guards perform a march past during a ceremonial welcome at Windsor Castle, July 13, 2018. /AP Photo

The US president had earlier praised Queen Elizabeth II as a "tremendous woman."

Queen Elizabeth's tea for the Trumps was due to last 25 minutes according to the White House's schedule, the last part of their official visit.

(With input from agencies.)