Donald Trump has suggested the UK is heading for a no-deal Brexit as he warned Boris Johnson may be unable to reach an agreement with the “very tough” European Union.
The US president, who was speaking as the Prime Minister’s first international summit came to an end, highlighted Theresa May’s struggles to secure a withdrawal agreement.
“They may have to get out, they may not make a deal,” Trump said at the close of the G7 summit in Biarritz.
“The European Union is very tough to make deals with – just ask Theresa May.”
Trump, who held a first formal meeting with Johnson on Sunday, said he poked fun at the Prime Minister over the time it had taken him to finally get into Number 10.
“I really believe that Boris Johnson will be a great Prime Minister,” he said.
“We really like each other. And we had a great two and a half days.
“I have been waiting for him to be Prime Minister for about six years.
“I told him, ‘what took you so long?’”
He added: “I think his time is right, it’s the right time for Boris.”
The US president answered questions from the world’s media after staying on for a further grilling after French President Emmanuel Macron left the stage.
After confirming that he wants to hold next year’s G7 meeting at his Doral property in Miami, and suggesting he could meet Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, Trump was asked about the new UK prime minister and the prospects of a fresh Brexit deal.
He also revealed he asked Johnson “what happened with England?”
He said: “I asked Boris, ‘Where’s England? What’s happening with England? You don’t use it too much any more’. We talked about it, it was very interesting.
“But the UK is a great, incredible place, it’s an incredible nation and it’s been one of our tremendous allies.”