U.S. President Donald Trump recently indicated that the United Kingdom could successfully broker a significant trade deal that would alleviate existing tariffs. This announcement came during a joint press briefing with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who visited the White House on Thursday. When asked if Starmer had managed to persuade Trump to avoid additional levies on Britain, Trump replied, “He tried! He was working hard, I'll tell you that. He earned whatever the hell they pay him over there.”
Trump expressed optimism about the potential for a comprehensive trade agreement between the two nations, stating, “I think there is a very good chance that in the case of these two great friendly countries, we could end up with a real trade deal that wouldn’t require tariffs. We’ll see.” He emphasized his receptiveness to Starmer’s overtures, repeatedly describing him as a “very, very special person” and a “very tough negotiator.”
This positive engagement with the U.K. starkly contrasts Trump’s generally punitive approach to trade, which has involved imposing tariffs on various countries since his return to the Oval Office in January. Earlier on the same day, Trump announced plans to implement a proposed 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada on March 4, following a one-month suspension of this initiative. He also revealed that China, a frequent target of his trade policies, would face an additional 10% duty on the same date.
Trump advocates for tariffs as a strategy to reshape commercial relations, eliminate trade deficits, and bolster domestic manufacturing. However, analysts caution that these measures could lead to higher consumer prices and potential inflation in the world’s largest economy. “We’ve been treated very unfairly in trade,” Trump remarked, emphasizing that this sentiment applies to both allies and adversaries.
Amid escalating tensions, Trump has threatened tariffs on longstanding transatlantic partners, prompting a diplomatic race between the European Union and the U.K. to avoid such measures. On Thursday, Trump escalated his rhetoric against the EU, stating that it was formed “to screw the United States ... that’s the purpose of it, and they’ve done a good job of it.” In response, the EU Commission highlighted the benefits the bloc has provided to the U.S. over the years.
Starmer, in his charm offensive during the White House visit, delivered a letter from King Charles inviting Trump for an unprecedented second state visit to the U.K. He described the discussions with Trump as “really good” and “productive,” asserting, “Our trading relationship is not just strong; it’s fair, balanced, and reciprocal.”
U.S. trade with the U.K. has remained relatively balanced, oscillating between surplus and deficit in recent years. British Finance Minister Rachel Reeves reassured that the U.K. is not part of the problem for Washington. The bilateral talks also addressed a critical issue for Trump: the urgency of resolving the ongoing war in Ukraine and the need for European nations to increase their defense spending.
Trump commended the U.K. for its announcement to raise its defense contributions to 2.5% of GDP by April 2027, surpassing the formal NATO target of 2%. “In this new era, you’re also right that Europe must step up,” Starmer added, highlighting the necessity for collective security efforts.
As discussions continue on these critical issues, Trump has also prioritized maximizing returns from U.S. military and foreign aid contributions to Ukraine since Russia's invasion in 2022. He confirmed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would visit the White House on Friday to sign an agreement concerning critical rare earth minerals.
Trump described this framework agreement as a means to establish a joint investment fund in the U.S., in which Ukraine would allocate 50% of revenues from its natural resource assets. “We’ll be signing a historic deal that will make the United States a major partner in developing Ukraine’s minerals, rare earths, and oil and gas,” Trump emphasized, expressing enthusiasm for the future economic collaboration. “We’ll be digging, dig-dig-digging. Dig we must.”
