US President Donald Trump promised a “phenomenal” post-Brexit trade deal with Britain as he met outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May Tuesday to boost their frayed alliance against a backdrop of political turmoil.
As protesters angered by his state visit flew a huge balloon of a naked baby Trump and blocked traffic in central London, the US leader heaped praise on May and scorn on opposition Labour chief Jeremy Corbyn.
He dismissed thousands of protesters rallying nearby as “fake news” and said he turned down a meeting with Corbyn — who himself took part in the protest — branding him a “somewhat negative force”.
Trump’s state visit began on Monday with a meeting with Queen Elizabeth II and a state banquet, but behind the pageantry, Britain is in political upheaval.
But it comes at an especially chaotic time for the UK, with May formally stepping down as leader of her Conservative party on Friday.
She will stay on as prime minister until her successor is chosen out of 12 contenders from her party.
Whoever takes over will have to make some tough choices before the twice-delayed Brexit deadline on October 31.
Trump preceded his visit by urging Britain to walk away from the EU without an agreement.
He also suggested that Brexit-backing former foreign minister Boris Johnson would be an “excellent” leader to get it done.
