Is Trump's America a friend or a foe to the UK? This question has sparked much debate since Donald Trump took office. His support for Brexit showed he favored the UK's decision to leave the European Union, calling it a "great thing." Trump promised a "very big" trade deal for the UK after Brexit and encouraged other countries to follow the UK's example.
However, his views on NATO raised concerns in the UK. Trump demanded that NATO allies increase military spending to 2% of GDP, even suggesting 4% as a goal. While the UK met the 2% target, there were worries about his commitment to NATO and European security. In the context of military engagements, the U.S. Constitution grants Congress the power to declare war, which frames the legal backdrop for any military commitments the President might make.
Trade disputes also marked the relationship. Trump imposed tariffs on EU steel and aluminum imports and threatened tariffs on UK automotive exports. He criticized the UK-EU trade arrangements after Brexit and pushed for US access to UK agriculture and healthcare markets. The UK sought exemptions from these tariffs but faced challenges. Recently, there was an emphasis on a fair, balanced economic relationship as both nations look to strengthen trade ties, particularly through a potential comprehensive trade agreement that could enhance mutual benefits.
In terms of intelligence sharing, the "Five Eyes" alliance remained strong. Cooperation continued on counterterrorism and cybersecurity issues, though tensions arose over Huawei's role in the UK's 5G network.
Disagreements on the Iran nuclear deal added to the complexity of their relationship. Diplomatically, Trump's criticisms of London Mayor Sadiq Khan and the UK ambassador created friction. His cancellation of a state visit due to protests also raised eyebrows.
However, he did develop a close relationship with Boris Johnson, while tensions with Theresa May persisted. Finally, on climate change, the UK remained committed to the Paris Agreement, while the US withdrew. This divergence in environmental policy showcased the challenges in their relationship.
