Trump and UK discuss new tariff-free trade deal

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Trump made a promising announcement on Thursday regarding a potential trade deal with the UK that could shield Britain from tariffs, marking a significant shift in post-Brexit trade relations while the European Union faces potential tariff implementations.

During a cordial White House press conference, Trump praised UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s negotiation efforts, with the Financial Times reporting the president’s acknowledgment of Starmer’s persuasive attempts to protect Britain from tariffs.

“I’ll tell you that he earned whatever the hell they pay him over there, but he tried,” Trump said of Starmer, describing him as a “very tough negotiator.”

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What a breath of fresh air @realDonaldTrump is as a president

He has told the UK that we will get a tariff free trade deal something Joe Biden would NEVER give us a deal and told the UK we would be back of the line for a deal.

And people are upset that Trump is going… pic.twitter.com/tdzawodYgF

— Grifty (@TheGriftReport) February 27, 2025

The president expressed optimism about future trade relations, stating, “We could very well end up with a real trade deal where the tariffs wouldn’t be necessary. We’ll see.”

This renewed interest in UK trade negotiations represents a departure from the limited progress made during the previous administration under Joe Biden, suggesting a potential revival of bilateral trade discussions.

During the conference, Starmer emphasized Britain’s commitment to strengthening its defense and security measures, addressing a long-standing concern of Trump’s administration, according to the Financial Times. The UK Prime Minister also discussed his country’s role in securing a lasting peace agreement in Ukraine.

President Trump signaled that the UK would have “a great trade agreement-one way or another” and the UK might avoid the trade tariffs
Asked if Starmer had convinced him not to impose trade tariffs on the UK Trump said: “He tried”
Still one way trade with the US set up by Johnson pic.twitter.com/LuUq5ojq9F

— jeff (@jeffone23) February 28, 2025

“We’re obviously working with other European countries on that, France and NATO in particular, but I’m hosting 18 countries on Sunday to further our discussions,” the UK prime minister said.

When questioned about Trump’s response regarding U.S. military support for a European peacekeeping initiative, Starmer characterized their discussion as “productive” but refrained from elaborating on whether he secured any definitive commitments from the American president.