Donald Trump has warned that the trade deal signed between the United States and the United Kingdom last year could be altered, as he continues to attack the British government over its stance on the Iran conflict. In an interview with Sky News, the US president said the agreement was “better than I had to” give and that it “can always be changed”.
The comments come amid growing tensions between the two allies, with Trump describing the special relationship as in a “sad state”. He accused Britain of failing to support the US over Iran, stating: “They were not there when we needed them, and they still aren’t there.” UK ministers have pointed to the trade deal as evidence of strong ties, but are furious at the economic impact of US military action in the Middle East.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves, currently in Washington for IMF meetings, has expressed “frustration and anger” at the US strikes, which she said lacked clear objectives. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has also voiced frustration, saying he is “fed up” with rising energy bills linked to US policies. Trump repeated his criticism of UK energy and immigration policies, calling them “insane” and “destroying your country”.
Downing Street rejected Trump’s characterisation of the relationship, with Starmer’s spokesperson insisting the special relationship “exists on multiple levels” and is “far bigger than any individual issue”. Starmer has increasingly looked towards the EU, arguing closer ties are vital given US unreliability. The IMF has cut UK growth forecasts due to the Gulf crisis, but Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey said the UK’s resilient banking system makes it well placed to cope.
