President Donald Trump said “every country” has contacted him since announcing the implementation of new tariffs. Trump praised Britain’s current leadership for maintaining a constructive relationship with the United States amid sweeping new tariffs targeting foreign exports. Unlike the European Union — which predictably responded with outrage over the 20% tariff rate — the United Kingdom, under Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, landed in a much more favorable position with a modest 10% rate.
“We have a very good dialogue going,” Trump said Thursday aboard Air Force One, adding that Starmer “was very happy about how we treated him on tariffs.”
While the Labour-led government and President Trump don’t share much ideologically, they appear united in the common-sense goal of protecting their countries’ economies and securing a bilateral trade agreement. In stark contrast, the former Conservative government squandered years of opportunity following Brexit, failing to prioritize or finalize a U.S.-UK trade deal — largely due to their lukewarm attitude toward Trump’s America First approach and their own hesitancy to fully leave the European Union.
Even more astonishing, those same Conservative lawmakers now have the audacity to criticize Labour for not achieving a deal within months — a task their own party neglected for years.
The current Labour leadership may not be philosophically aligned with Trump, but they’ve shown pragmatic restraint and are focused on getting results — a refreshing change from the bureaucratic dithering of their predecessors. British officials believe a formal deal could be reached within weeks, avoiding the full impact of the 10% tariffs and strengthening post-Brexit economic sovereignty.
Trump also pointed out that the new tariffs have had the intended effect: nations are now lining up to strike fairer, more balanced trade agreements with the U.S. “Every country has called us,” Trump said. “That’s the beauty of what we do — we’ve put ourselves in the driving seat.”
The President made it clear that he’s open to deals — but only ones that benefit the American people. “The tariffs give us great power to negotiate,” Trump added, signaling that strong leadership and clear leverage can restore fairness in global trade.
Still, there are concerns. While the UK is eager to finalize a deal, cultural differences — particularly surrounding free speech and liberty — could become sticking points. As the U.S. under Trump doubles down on freedom and American values, the UK must decide whether it still stands with its long-time ally on issues beyond trade.
For now, Trump’s strategy appears to be working: America is back in control, and those who engage in good faith — like the UK — are being rewarded for it.
