Trump vows 'great' trade deal with UK, abruptly changing tack on May's Brexit plan



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WINDSOR CASTLE, England, July 13 (Reuters) – President Donald Trump said on Friday the United States and Britain could secure a "great" post-Brexit trade deal, lavishing praise on Prime Minister Theresa May and contradicting his own withering badessment

Fresh from sending NATO to crisis talks and ahead of a summit with Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin, Trump shocked Britain's political establishment when he criticized May's plans for ties with the European Union after Britain leaves in March.

Trump said "Brexit strategy" would "kill" any chance of a trade deal with the US and said it would not be in a position to negotiate with the US

But, as the two leaders stood together for a press conference in the garden of May's great 16th-century official residence Checkers, Trump said the British leader was doing a "fantastic job, "added it was up to her how to conduct Brexit, and it was a free trade deal."

Relations had never been more special, he said, and any criticism was "fake news." [19659002] "Once the Brexit Process is concluded and perhaps the UK has left, I do not know what they are going to do but what do you say is OK with me, that's your decision," Trump said.

"Whatever you do is OK with us, just make sure we can trade together, that's all that matters. The United States looks forward to finalizing a great bilateral trade agreement with the United Kingdom. This is an incredible opportunity for our country and we will be sixteen it fully, "he said.

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President Trump and Theresa May in joint Checkers press conference

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Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May poses for photographs with US President Donald Trump at Checkers near Aylesbury, Britain July 13, 2018. Jack Taylor / Pool via REUTERS

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May Greets US President Donald Trump at Checkers near Aylesbury, Britain July 13 , 2018. Jack Taylor / Pool via REUTERS

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May and US President Donald Trump arrives for a news conference in the grounds of Checkers near Aylesbury, Britain July 13, 2018. Jack Taylor / Pool via REUTERS [19659015] Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May and US President Donald Trump walk in the grounds of Checkers near Aylesbury, Britain July 13, 2018. Jack Taylor / Pool via REUTERS

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May and US President Donald Trump hold a news conference at Checkers, the official country residence of the Prime Minister, near Aylesbury, Britain, July 13, 2018. REUTERS / Hannah McKay

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May and US President Donald Trump Joined news conference at Checkers, the official country residence of the Prime Minister, near Aylesbury, Britain, July 13, 2018. REUTERS / Hannah McKay

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May and US President Donald Trump hold a news conference at Checkers Prime Minister, near the Aylesbury, Britain, July 13, 2018. REUTERS / Hannah McKay

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May and US President Donald Trump hold a news conference at Checkers, the official country residence of The Prime Minister, near Aylesbury, Britain, July 13, 2018. REUTERS / Hannah McKay

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May and US President Donald Trump walk away after holding a joint news conference at Checkers, the official country residence of the Prime Minister, near Aylesbury, Britain, July 13, 2018. REUTERS / Hannah McKay

U.S. President Donald Trump walks with Britain 's Prime Minister Theresa May at a press conference at Checkers, near Aylesbury, Britain July 13, 2018. Stefan Rousseau / Pool via REUTERS

U.S. President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Theresa May hold a press conference after their meeting at Checkers in Buckinghamshire, Britain July 13, 2018. REUTERS / Kevin Lamarque

British Prime Minister Theresa May listens as she and US President Donald Trump hold a press After the meeting at Checkers in Buckinghamshire, UK July 13, 2018. REUTERS / Kevin Lamarque

US President Donald Trump (L) gestures as he speaks next to Britain's Minister Theresa May (R) during a press conference following their meeting at Checkers, the prime minister's country residence, near Ellesborough, north of London on July 13, 2018 on the second day of Trump's UK visit. – US President Donald Trump launched an extraordinary attack on the Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit strategy, plunging the transatlantic 'special relationship' to a new low as they prepared to meet on the second day of his tumultuous trip to Britain. (Photo by Jack Taylor / POOL / Getty Images)

US President Donald Trump (L) speaks with Britain's Theresa May Meeting at Checkers, The Prime Minister 's Country Residence, near Ellesborough, UK on July 13, 2018 on the second day of Trump' s UK visit. – US President Donald Trump launched an extraordinary attack on the Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit strategy, plunging the transatlantic 'special relationship' to a new low as they prepared to meet on the second day of his tumultuous trip to Britain. (Photo by Jack Taylor / POOL / Getty Images)

AYLESBURY, ENGLAND – JULY 13: Prime Minister Theresa May holds bi-lateral talks with US President Donald Trump at Checkers on July 13, 2018 in Aylesbury, England. US President Donald Trump, bi-lateral talks with British Prime Minister, Theresa May at her grace-and-favor country residence, Checkers. Earlier British newspaper, The Sun, revealed criticisms of Theresa May and her Brexit policy by President Trump in an exclusive interview. The President and First Lady will join Her Majesty for tea at Windsor Castle.




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At the same location, May finally won agreement for her Brexit plans from her cabinet after two years of internal wrangling , but within days, two senior ministers had quit, departures which Trump said earlier in the week had left Britain in "turmoil."

Some lawmakers in her deeply divided Conservative Party have cast May's "business-friendly" Brexit plan as a What would be left Britain too close to the EU and warned that she might face a leadership challenge.

"If they do a deal like that, we would be dealing with the European Union instead of dealing with the UK," he told the Sun. "I actually did it much differently." I actually told Theresa May how to do it, but she did not listen to me. "

Asked about that interview, Trump said he had not criticized May, lavishing praise on" a terrific woman, "who was smart, tough and capable."

"This incredible woman right here is doing a fantastic job, a great job," he said. She said, "I want to apologize, because I said such things about you." She said: 'Do not worry, it's only the press'. "[19659002]

"HIGHEST LEVEL OF SPECIAL"

May, likewise, glossed over the comments in the Sun, saying her deal provided a platform for an ambitious free trade deal.

Trump's remarks to the Sun was the most biting any US president ever made to visit to Britain. However, under the blue skies of the Checkers' garden, he said their relationship was "the highest level of special."

However, while Trump and May exchanged warm words, London, bringing much of the British capital to a standstill. It was one of the more than 100 demonstrations planned over the country during its four-day stay.

"The message we came here today is that Trump is not welcome in Britain," said shopkeeper Grish Gregoran, 58, who took the day off to wait. "

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Best images from UK protest against US President Donald Trump

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Demonstrators protest against the visit of US President Donald Trump, in central London, Britain, July 13, 2018. REUTERS / Simon Dawson

Demonstrators protest against the visit of US President Donald Trump, in central London, UK, July 13, 2018. REUTERS / Peter Nicholls [19659047] Demonstrators protest against the visit of US President Donald Trump, in central London, Britain, July 13, 2018. REUTERS / Yves Herman

Demonstrators protest against the visit of US President Donald Trump, in central London, Britain, July 13 , 2018. REUTERS / Simon Dawson

Demonstrators protest against the visit of US President Donald Trump, in central London, Britain, July 13, 2018. REUTERS / Peter Nicholls

Demonstrators protest against the visit of US President Donald Trump, in cen tral London, Britain, July 13, 2018. REUTERS / Simon Dawson

Demonstrators protest against the visit of US President Donald Trump, in central London, Britain, July 13, 2018. REUTERS / Peter Nicholls

Demonstrators protest against the visit of US President Donald Trump, in central London, Britain, July 13, 2018. REUTERS / Peter Nicholls

Demonstrators protest against the visit of US President Donald Trump, in central London, Britain, July 13, 2018. REUTERS / Simon Dawson

Demonstrators protest against the visit of US President Donald Trump, in central London, Britain, July 13, 2018. REUTERS / Simon Dawson

Demonstrators protest against the visit of US President Donald Trump, in central London, Britain, July 13, 2018. REUTERS / Simon Dawson

A demonstrator wearing a cap takes part in an anti-Trump protest in central London, Britain, July 13, 2018. REUTERS / Simon Dawson

A demonstrator carrying an anti-Trump billboard walks along a stre and during a protest in central London, Britain, July 13, 2018. REUTERS / Simon Dawson

A man who gave his name to Kevin (L) and was born in the USA but living in London for 21 years makes a protest against the visit of US President Donald Trump outside Windsor Castle in Windsor, UK July 13, 2018. REUTERS / Kevin Coombs

Women, from a number of different protest groups, take part in an anti-Trump demonstration in central London, Britain, July 13, 2018. REUTERS / Simon Dawson

Women, from a number of different protest groups, take part in an anti-Trump demonstration in central London, Britain, July 13, 2018. REUTERS / Simon Dawson

Women, from a number of different protest groups, take part in an anti-Trump demonstration in central London, UK, July 13, 2018. REUTERS / Simon Dawson

Women and men, from a number of different protest groups, take part in an anti-Trump demonstration in central London, Britain, July 13, 2018. REUTERS / Simon Dawson [19659063] A protest against an anti-trump demonstration in central London, Britain, July 13, 2018. REUTERS / Peter Nicholls

Women, from a number of different protest groups, take part in an anti-Trump demonstration in central London, Britain, July 13, 2018. REUTERS / Peter Nicholls

A balloon portraying US President Donald Trump as a baby is attached to a man's rucksack during a protest in Parliament Square, during the visit by Trump and First Lady Melania Trump in London, Britain July 13, 2018. REUTERS / Peter Nicholls

Police officers talk to demonstrators preparing to protest in Parliament Square, during the visit by US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump in London, England July 13, 2018. REUTERS / Peter Nicholls

Police officers talk to demonstrators preparing to protest in Parliament Square, during the visit by US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump in London, UK July 13, 2018. REUTERS / Peter Ni cholls

Demonstrators prepare to protest in Parliament Square, during the visit by US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump in London, Britain July 13, 2018. REUTERS / Peter Nicholls

Pro-Trump demonstrators protest outside the grounds of Blenheim Palace, where US President Donald Trump and the First Lady Melania Trump are attending a dinner with Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May and business leaders, near Oxford, Britain, July 12, 2018. REUTERS / Henry Nicholls

Demonstrators protest outside the grounds of Blenheim Palace, where US President Donald Trump and the First Lady Melania Trump are attending a dinner with Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May and Business Leaders, near Oxford, Britain, July 12, 2018. REUTERS / Hannah McKay

Demonstrators protest outside the grounds of Blenheim Palace, where US President Donald Trump and the First Lady Melania Trump are attending a dinner with Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May and business l eaders, near Oxford, Britain, July 12, 2018. REUTERS / Hannah McKay

Demonstrators protest outside the grounds of Blenheim Palace, where US President Donald Trump and the First Lady Melania Trump are attending a dinner with Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May business leaders, near Oxford, Britain, July 12, 2018. REUTERS / Peter Nicholls

Demonstrators protest outside the grounds of Blenheim Palace, where US President Donald Trump and the First Lady Melania Trump are attending a dinner with Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May and business leaders, near Oxford, Britain, July 12, 2018. REUTERS / Hannah McKay

Demonstrators protest outside the grounds of Blenheim Palace, where US President Donald Trump and the First Lady Melania Trump are attending a dinner with Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May and business leaders, near Oxford, Britain, July 12, 2018. REUTERS / Peter Nicholls

Demonstrators protest outside the grounds of Blenheim Palace, where US President Donald Trump and the First Lady Melania Trump are attending a dinner with Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May and Business Leaders, near Oxford, Britain, July 12, 2018. REUTERS / Henry Nicholls

Protest Demonstrators next to the specially erected fence surrounding US ambbadador's residence, Winfield House, where US President Donald Trump and the First Lady Melania Trump are staying, in London, Britain, July 12, 2018. REUTERS / Simon Dawson

Demonstrators protest to the United States Residence, Winfield House, where US President Donald Trump and the First Lady Melania Trump are staying, in London, Britain, July 12, 2018. REUTERS / Simon Dawson

Demonstrators protest to the United States Winfield House, where US President Donald Trump and the First Lady Melania Trump are staying, in London, Britain, July 12, 2018. REUTERS / Simon Dawson [1965] 9079] Demonstrators protest next to the specially erected fence surrounding the US ambbadador's residence, Winfield House, where US President Donald Trump and the First Lady Melania Trump are staying, in London, Britain, July 12, 2018. REUTERS / Simon Dawson

Demonstrators protest next to the specially erected fence surrounding the US ambbadador's residence, Winfield House, where US President Donald Trump and the First Lady Melania Trump are staying, in London, Britain, July 12, 2018. REUTERS / Simon Dawson




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Trump has also frequently angered British politicians and has been involved in social media spats with London's Muslim mayor Sadiq Khan who Trump said "had a very bad job on terrorism."

Late last year, May be criticized Trump for retweeting a message by a member of a British far-right group, and the speaker of parliament said

Afte r Leave Checkers, Trump traveled to Windsor Castle to be with Queen Elizabeth. He was heralded by military bands on his 92-year-old grandson Prince Harry married U.S. actress Meghan Markle in May.

He later flew to Scotland where he was staying at his Trump Turnberry golf course. Greenpeace is one of the world's best golfers, and one of the most famous golf clubs in the world.

He will stay in Scotland until Sunday when he heads to Helsinki for talks with Russia's Putin. Trump said he would bring up the issue of nuclear disarmament with Putin.

However his trip to meet a US federal grand jury has indicted 12 Russian military intelligence officers on hacking the computer networks of the 2016 Democratic Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton and the Democratic Party.

"We have this stupidity going on, pure stupidity, but it makes it very hard to do something with Russia because, anything you do, it's like: 'Russia, oh he loves Russia ', "Trump said to the press conference before the indictment."

"I love the United States but I love getting along with Russia and China."

(Writing by Guy Faulconbridge and Michael Holden, William Holley, Andrew MacAskill, Sarah Young and Paul Sandle, editing by Larry King, Kevin Liffey, David Stamp, William Maclean)

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