Trump and Theresa May press conference in London on D-Day anniversary: transcript

Key points

• May opens by praising the UK-US special relationship and announces that NATO can call on UK aircraft carriers and F-35 jets.
• May says the two leaders differ on how to handle Iran, with the UK still backing the nuclear deal, but share the goal of stopping Iran getting a nuclear weapon.
• Trump says the US is committed to a major trade deal with the UK and sees potential to raise trade two or three times.
• Asked about the London mayor and Jeremy Corbyn, Trump criticizes the mayor, says he declined to meet Corbyn, and calls reports of protests fake news.
• On Brexit, Trump says it will probably happen and should, while May says leaving with a deal is best for the UK.
• Trump says Huawei will not limit intelligence sharing, that the NHS would be on the table in trade talks, and that tariffs on Mexico will probably go ahead.

Chapters

1. 0:00May's opening remarks on the special relationship
2. 5:24Trump on D-Day, NATO, Iran and trade
3. 11:29Questions on the London mayor, Corbyn and protests
4. 16:21Brexit, Huawei and intelligence sharing
5. 19:03NHS and the future trade deal
6. 19:43Mexico tariffs and border security
7. 23:24May on Brexit deal and Trump on Boris Johnson

Full transcript

0:00This week, we commemorate the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of those who gave their lives for our liberty on D-Day 75 years ago. As leaders prepare to gather here from across the world, it is fitting that we begin with a celebration of the special relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States, enduring partners who stood side by side on that historic day and every day since for generations at the heart of the transatlantic alliance has been our shared democratic values our common interests and our commitment to justice it is that unity of purpose that will preserve the deep rooted ties between our people and underpin our nation's security and prosperity for the next 75 years and beyond so i am very pleased to welcome the President of the United States of America on this state visit to the United Kingdom.

1:02For the past two and a half years, the President and I have had the duty and privilege of being the latest guardians of this precious and profound friendship between our countries. As with our predecessors, when we have faced threats to the security of our citizens and our allies, we have stood together and acted together. When Russia used a deadly nerve agent on the streets of our country, alongside the UK's expulsions, the President expelled 60 Russian intelligence officers, the largest contribution towards an unprecedented global response.

1:38And in Syria, when innocent men, women and children were victims of a barbaric chemical weapons attack, Britain and America, along with France, carried out targeted strikes against the regime. Since we spoke about NATO during my first visit to the White House, we have maintained our support for this crucial alliance. Thanks in part to your clear message on burden-sharing, Donald, we have seen members pledge another $100 billion, increasing their contributions to our shared security.

2:10And I'm pleased to announce that NATO will soon be able to call on the UK's Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers and F-35 fighter jets to help tackle threats around the world. Today, we've discussed again the new and evolving challenges to our security, our values and our way of life. We share the same view about their origin and our objectives in meeting them. But, like Prime Ministers and Presidents before us, and no doubt those that will come after, we can also differ sometimes on how to confront the challenges we face.

2:42I've always talked openly with you, Donald, when we have taken a different approach and you've done the same with me. I've always believed that cooperation and compromise are the basis of strong alliances, and nowhere is this more true than in the special relationship. Today, we've discussed again the importance of our two nations working together to address Iran's destabilizing activity in the region and to ensure Tehran cannot acquire a nuclear weapon. Although we differ on the means of achieving that, as I've said before, the UK continues to stand by the nuclear deal, it is clear that we both want to reach the same goal.

3:19It is important that Iran meets its obligations, and we do everything to avoid escalation, which is in no one's interest. recognizing our nations are safer and more prosperous when we work together on the biggest challenges of our time. I also set out the UK's approach to tackling climate change and our continued support for the Paris agreement. And we also spoke about China, recognizing its economic significance, and that we cannot ignore action that threatens our shared interests or values. As we've deepened our cooperation on security, including our joint military operations, and our unparalleled intelligence sharing, so our economies, too, are ever more tightly bound together.

4:00Every morning, one million Americans get up and go to work for British companies in America, and one million Britons do the same for American companies here. our trading relationship is worth over 190 billion pounds a year and we're the largest investors in each other's economies with mutual investments valued at as much as one trillion dollars. Mr. President you and I agreed the first time we met that we should aim for an ambitious free trade agreement when the UK leaves the EU and from our positive discussions today I know that we both remain committed to this. I'm also sure that our economic relationship will only grow broader and deeper, building on the conversations we had and the ideas we heard from UK and US businesses when we met them earlier today.

4:47Tomorrow we will sit down in Portsmouth with our fellow leaders to reaffirm the enduring importance of the Western Alliance and the shared values that underpin it. And as we look to the future, in the years and in the generations ahead, we will continue continue to work together to preserve the alliance that is the bedrock of our shared prosperity and security, just as it was on the beaches of Normandy 75 years ago. Mr. President. Well, thank you, Prime Minister May.

5:24Melania and I are honored to return to London as our nations commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day in World War II. We want to thank Her Majesty the Queen, who I had a lovely dinner with last night, a fantastic person, fantastic woman, for so graciously inviting us to this state visit. It was very, very special. Our thanks as well to Prime Minister and Mr. May for the warm welcome they've given the First Lady and me, as we remember the heroes who laid down their lives to rescue civilization itself.

6:05On June 6th, 1944, tens of thousands of young warriors left these shores by the sea and air to begin the invasion of normandy and the liberal ration of europe and the brutal nazi occupation it was a liberation like few people have seen before among them were more than 130 000 american and british brothers in Through their valor and sacrifice, they secured our homelands and saved freedom for the world.

6:39Tomorrow, Prime Minister May and I will attend a commemoration ceremony in Portsmouth, one of the key embarkation points for the invasion. More than 1.5 million American service members were stationed right here in England in advance of the landings that summer. the bonds of friendship forged here and sealed in blood on those hollowed beaches will endure forever. Our special relationship is grounded in common history, values, customs, culture, language, and laws. Our people believe in freedom and independence as a sacred birthright and cherished inheritance worth defending at any cost. As the Prime Minister and I discussed in our meetings today and yesterday, the United States and the United Kingdom share many goals and priorities around the world. I want to thank the people of the United Kingdom for

7:39their service and partnership in our campaign to defeat ISIS. As we announced a few months ago, ISIS's territorial caliphate in Syria and Iraq has been completely obliterated, defeated. The United Kingdom is also a key partner in NATO. The Prime Minister and I agree that our NATO allies must increase their defense spending. We've both been working very hard toward that end. And we are very current, and some of them are not.

8:12We can't allow that to happen. But I appreciate everything you've done in that regard. We expect a growing number of nations to meet the minimum 2 percent of GDP requirement. to address today's challenges, all members of the Alliance must fulfill their obligations. They have no choice. They must fulfill their obligation. Among the pressing threats facing our nations is the development and spread of nuclear weapons. Perhaps that's our greatest threat. The United States and the United Kingdom are determined to ensure that Iran never develops nuclear weapons and stop supporting and engaging in terrorism and i believe that will happen in protecting our nations we also know that the border security is national security today the prime minister and i discussed our thriving economic relationship both countries are doing doing very well and participated in a roundtable with industry and business leaders.

9:13I can say probably the biggest business leaders anywhere in the world. Our nations have more than $1 trillion invested in each other's economics. The United Kingdom is America's largest foreign investor in our largest European export market. That's a lot of importance. As the UK makes preparations to exit the European Union, the United States is committed to a phenomenal trade deal between the U.S. and the U.K.

9:45There is tremendous potential in that trade deal. I say probably two and even three times of what we're doing right now. Tremendous potential. Seventy-five years ago this Thursday, courageous Americans and British patriots set out from this island toward history's most important battle. They stormed forward out of ships and airplanes, risking everything to defend our people and to ensure that the United States and Britain would forever remain sovereign and forever remain free.

10:19Following this press conference, Prime Minister May, Mr. May, the First Lady, my family and I will visit the legendary Churchill War Rooms beneath the streets of London. I look forward to that. In his famous speech on this day in June 1940, Prime Minister Churchill urged his countrymen to defend our island, whatever the cost may be. As we mark this solemn anniversary of D-Day, we remember that the defense of our nations does not begin on the battlefield, but within the heart of every patriot.

10:59Today, let us renew our pledge engraved at the American Cemetery in Normandy and inscribed by President Dwight Eisenhower in St. Paul's Cathedral right here in London that the cause for which they died shall live. Prime Minister May, it's been a true honor. I have greatly enjoyed working with you. You are a tremendous professional and a person that loves your country dearly.

11:29Thank you very much. It's really an honor. Thank you for the invitation to memorialize our fallen heroes, and for your partnership in protecting and advancing the extraordinary alliance between the American and the British people. It's the greatest alliance the world has ever known. Thank you, Prime Minister. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you. Now, we're going to take two questions from the UK media and two questions from the American media. I'll start with Beth Rigby. Thank you. Thank you, Prime Minister, President Trump. Beth Rigby from Sky News. For you, President Trump, as you hold talks with the current prime minister, the leader of Her Majesty's opposition has been addressing a protest rally against your visit in Trafalgar Square. He says he's disappointed you attacked the London mayor.

12:33and he criticized your record on refugees what do you have to say to him and is this man someone you could do a trade deal with and to you prime minister do you think that Sadiq Khan is a stone cold loser thank you you're talking about the mayor of London is that who you said yes well I think he's been a not very good mayor from what I understand he's done a poor job crime is up a lot of problems and i don't think he should be criticizing a representative of the united states that can do so much good for the united kingdom we talked about it before he should be positive not negative he's a negative force not a positive force and if you look at what he said he hurts the people of this great country.

13:20And I think he should actually focus on his job. It'd be a lot better if he did that. He could straighten out some of the problems that he has and probably some of the problems that he's caused. Thank you. The Presser. The Presser. Thank you. Yes, he wanted to meet with me and I told him no. The Presser. Well, I don't know Jeremy Corbyn.

13:50Never met him. Never spoke to him. He wanted to meet today or tomorrow, and I decided that I would not do that. But I think that he is, from where I come from, somewhat of a negative force. I think that people should look to do things correctly, as opposed to criticize. I really don't like critics as much as I like and respect people that get things done. So I've decided not to meet. As far as the protests, I have to tell you, because I commented on it yesterday, we left.

14:23The Prime Minister, the Queen, the royal family, there were thousands of people on the streets cheering and even coming over today there were thousands of people cheering and then I heard that there were protests I said where are the protests I don't see any protests I did see a small protest today when I came very small So a lot of it is fake news, I hate to say. But you saw the people waving the American flag, waving your flag. It was tremendous spirit and love. There was great love. It was an alliance. And I didn't see the protesters until just a little while ago. And it was a very, very small group of people put in for political reasons. So it was fake news. Thank you.

15:02And I would say to both the Mayor of London and to Jeremy Corbyn, the discussions that we have had today are about the future of this most important relationship between the US and the UK. As the President described it, the greatest alliance the world has seen. It is this deep special relationship and partnership between the United States and the United Kingdom that ensures our safety and security and the safety and security of others around the world too. And it is this relationship that helps to ensure there are jobs that employ people here in the UK and in the United States that underpins our prosperity and our future.

15:41That is a relationship we should cherish. It is a relationship we should build on. It is a relationship we should be proud of. Mr. Very big and this really is a very big and important alliance. And I think people should act positively toward it because it means so much for both countries. It means so much, and it's been so good. Steve Holland. Yes, go ahead, Steve. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you. Is that on? There. What is your current view on Brexit, sir? Should Britain leave the European Union if there is no agreement by October 31st? And for the Prime Minister, what would be the ramifications for the UK if there is not a deal?

16:21Well, I don't like to take positions in things that I'm not, you know, really. I understand the issue very well. I really predicted what was going to happen. Some of you remember that prediction. It was a strong prediction. made it a certain location on a development we were opening the day before it happened and i thought it was going to happen because of immigration more than anything else but probably it happens for a lot of reasons but i would say yeah i would think that it will happen and it probably should happen this is a great great country and it wants its own identity it wants to have its own borders it wants to run its own affairs this is a very very special place and i think it deserves serves a special place.

17:05And I thought maybe for that reason, and for others, but that reason, it was going to happen. Yeah, I think it will happen. And I believe the Prime Minister's brought it to a very good point where something will take place in the not-too-distant future. I think she's done a very good job. I believe it would be good for the country, yes. And from my point of view, I believe it is important for us to deliver Brexit. We gave that choice to the British people. Parliament overwhelmingly gave the choice to the British people. We should now deliver on that choice. I continue to believe that actually it's in the best interests of the UK to leave the European Union in an orderly way with a deal. I think we have a good deal. Sadly, the Labour Party and other MPs have so far stopped us from delivering Brexit and that deal.

17:51But we will. But obviously, this is an issue that is going to continue here in the UK. I think the important thing is we deliver Brexit. And once we're out of the European Union, we will be able to do what we've been talking about today and develop not just that free trade agreement, but a broader economic partnership into the future. If I could just follow up on a related matter. Mr. President, are you prepared to impose limits on intelligence sharing with Britain if they do not put in place some restrictions on Huawei? No, because we're going to have absolutely an agreement on Huawei and everything else.

18:23We have an incredible intelligence relationship and we will be able to work out any differences. I think we're not going to have it. We did discuss it. I see absolutely no limitations. We've never had limitations. This is a truly great ally and partner and we'll have no problem with that. Okay. Francis. Mr. President, Francis Elliott from The Times, do you agree with your ambassador that the entire economy needs to be on the table in a future trade talk, a trade deal, including the NHS? And, Prime Minister, are you tempted to take the Prime Minister, President, up at the word and stick around for a bit until the trade deal is done?

19:03I think we're going to have a great trade deal, yes. I think we're going to have great and very comprehensive trade deal. I can't hear him. It's the National Health Service. Should the National Health Service be on the table? look I think everything with the trade deal is on the table when you when you're dealing in trade everything's on the table so NHS or anything else or a lot a lot more than that but everything will be on the table absolutely okay but the point about making trade deals is of course that both sides negotiate and come to an agreement about what should or should not be in that trade deal for the future.

19:43And as regards your second question, Francis, nice try. But no, look, I'm a woman of my word. Mr. President, would you like to? John, please. Mr. President, thank you. Mr. President, domestically, in recent days, Mexico has stepped up apprehensions and deportations of Central American migrants. That's good. This could possibly be in response to your threat of tariffs.

20:15Has Mexico... Not possibly be. Has Mexico done enough to avoid tariffs, which will be imposed in some six days from now? No, we haven't started yet. And, but the threat is out there. Yeah, the threat is out there. But we haven't really started yet. No, this will take effect next week. And what 5 percent. And what do you think of Republicans who say that they may take action to block you imposing those tariffs? No, I don't think they will do that. I think if they do, it's foolish. There's nothing more important than borders. I've had tremendous Republican support.

20:45I have a 90 percent, 94 percent approval rating as of this morning in the Republican Party. That's an all time record. Can you believe that? Isn't that something? I love records. But we have a 94% approval rating in the Republican Party. I want to see security at our border. I'm going to see great trade. I'm going to see a lot of things happening. And that is happening. And as you know, Mexico call. They want to meet. They're going to meet on Wednesday. Secretary Pompeo is going to be at the meeting, along with a few others that are very good at this.

21:16And we are going to see if we can do something. But I think it's more likely that the tariffs go on. and we'll probably be talking during the time that the tariffs are on and they're going to be paid. And if they don't step up and give us security for our nation, look, millions of people are flowing through Mexico. That's unacceptable. Millions and millions of people are coming right through Mexico. It's a 2,000 mile journey. And they're coming up to our border and our border patrol, which is incredible. They're apprehending them. But our laws are bad because the Democrats don't want to pass laws that could be passed in 15 minutes that could be passed quickly. In one day, it could change.

21:56But even beyond the laws, Mexico shouldn't allow millions of people to try and enter our country. And they could stop it very quickly. And I think they will. And if they won't, we're going to put tariffs on. And every month, those tariffs go from 5 percent to 10 percent to 15 percent to 20 and then to 25 percent. And what will happen then is all of those companies that have left our country and gone to Mexico are going to be coming back to us. And that's okay. That's okay. But I think Mexico will step up and do what they should have been done.

22:28And I don't want to hear that Mexico is run by the cartels and the drug lords and the coyotes. I don't want to hear about that. A lot of people are saying that. Mexico has something to prove. But I don't want to hear that they're run by the cartels. You understand. You report on it all the time. A lot of people do. That would be a terrible thing. Mexico should step up and stop this onslaught, this invasion into our country, John. Prime Minister May, you tried three times to get a deal on Brexit. At this point, do you believe that a deal on Brexit is possible, or is this a Gordian knot? President Trump says that you didn't take his advice in terms of negotiation. Should you have, would that have made a difference? And, President Trump, if I could ask a follow-up, you had a conversation with Boris Johnson. Could we ask what you spoke about, and will you meet with Michael Gove today?

23:24Well, first of all, on the first issue, as I said in answer to an earlier question, I still believe, I personally believe, that it is in the best interest of the UK to leave the European Union with a deal. I believe there is a good deal on the table. Obviously, it will be for whoever succeeds me as Prime Minister to take this issue forward. What is paramount, I believe, is delivering on Brexit for the British people. And I seem to remember the President suggested that I sued the European Union, which we We didn't do. We went into negotiations and we came out with a good deal.

23:57That's not such a deal. I would have sued, but that's okay. I would have sued and settled, maybe, but you never know. She's probably a better negotiator than I am, Jeremy. But you know what? She has got it, in a sense, John. That deal is teed up. I think that deal is really teed up. I think they have to do something. and Perhaps you won't be given the credit that you deserve if they do something, but I think you deserve a lot of credit. I really do. I think you deserve a lot of credit. Okay? Yes, John? So I know Boris. I like him. I've liked him for a long time. He's, I think he'd do a very good job. I know Jeremy. I think he'd do a very good job. I don't know Michael, but would he do a good job, Jeremy? Tell me. Okay? Good. Thank you very much, everybody. Thank you. Thank you very much.

Source and licence

Recording: File:President Donald Trump Participates in a Press Conference with the Prime Minister of UK & Northern Ireland.webm by Trump White House Archived (2019-06-04), via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.

The transcript is machine speech-to-text by the TidyTools Audio & video transcriber; the summary, key points and chapters were written by Claude from that transcript. Both may contain errors: check the recording before quoting it.