There will be no hesitation by Donald Trump to squeeze the weakened government of Theresa May for concessions to help in his continuing effort to weaken, isolate and bully NATO at the behest of Vladimir Putin.
Donald Trump is an ignorant, impulsive man, but he instinctively knows how to inflict further injury on a wounded political leader.
Trump enjoys causing pain, and he does not like having to modify his behavior because of someone’s quaint notion about an old alliance or so-called special relationship.
As long as they follow Republicans into invading a Country like Iraq for Oil or bombing a Country like Libya for privledged Oil Contracts im sure they will do just fine.
Indeed, this "special relationship" is more special to Brits than to us.
I am surprised that the reporter did notmention contempt of 44th towards this relationship. The NYT had reported that every time, the 44th was to talk about this relationship, his staff wouldinsert "Malvinas" issue - just to irritate the Brits.
To me - who is an anglophile - but a Republican with contempt for royalty - the problem is Brits still think their royalty based government is superior to our republican government.
And this penchant of Brits to put their royalty on a pedestal probably aggravates our presidents more than anything. It sure aggravates me.
We do not need lectures from Brits on our elected representatives. Unfortunately, Brits can't have enough of these lectures.
All this nonsense of putting their royalty in a predicament over receiving our POTUS - sheer nonsense.
Especially, when Brits and their royalties have officially welcomed on state visits - thieves, murderers and assorted criminals - all because they brought trade and commerce to Britain.
Here's Trump's speech, as relayed by the UK's Guardian:
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/jul/12/trump-looks-forward-to-...
"The illegitimate president" - words of another commentor - so aptly identified this man. Hopefully most democracies will realize this and know his days are numbered....even if, god forbid, he gets a second term by way of voter manipulation, of course!
You want some sound advise Mrs. May? Avoid Trump like the plague, at any and all costs. And that's the same advise I would give to anyone on the planet.
3
In case you missed the 11AM Breaking News, the BBC announced Queen Elizabeth has cancelled her scheduled meeting with Trump.
The announcement quoted The Queen as saying: "If I want to meet a Clown, I'll go to the Circus"
3
Jeez. That constant cheesy, fake used-car-salesman grin and the game-showhost thumbs up. What an embarrassment.
4
Trump rode Brexit into power, more or less the same way Bush rode the fine-speaking Brits into the run-up to the ill-advised Iraq invasion. Trump will stay with May just like Bush rode Tony Blair. With the same result: relative infamy.
Of course the American public is all but numb to this. meanwhile look for Trump to heavily praise May, in his goal of dividing the continent. [guess who else has that goal?]
1
PM May should be very wary of Trump. For starters, he is afraid of strong women and will either fawn or dominate over her depending upon his insecurities which will be considerable in the face of protests planned.
His maybe buddy Steve Bannon is desperately trying to remain relevant holding court in a London hotel to fascinate like minded 'populists' from Europe and Brexit supporters. Funny how the pudgy sloppy preppy wants to tear down the administrative state while holding onto his Mercer millions. Like Trump, Steve has his money and doesn't want to share. What a working class hero not.
Are Bannon and Mercer folding Cambridge Analytica only to form a new company using legal shenanigans so that they can manipulate the upcoming elections?
Will Trump meet with fellow instigator and Brexit Liar Extroidinaire Nigel Farage? The man seen leaving the Ecuadorian Embassy after talking with Assange has little to offer Britain anymore and is no friend to May.
The whole revelation of the collusion between the British Brexiters and Russians for personal financial gain and promises of gold points to Trump's embrace of Brexit and his possible knowledge of all the collusion.
2
I would hate to be Theresa May , she's between a rock and a hard place in so many ways .Trump's visit will create even more turbulence with Boris Johnson lurking in the background , while Mrs May tries to negotiate a path for Brexit and needs Trump in order to assure a safe exit for the British economy . Trump has got her where he wants her .
Our leader's version of a "special relationship" is the Kremlin. Offending him is quite easy but he has a bit of the bully's mean streak in him. The cartoon balloon, if it really catches on as now seems likely, will trigger babbling, incoherent tweets in the middle of the night and more. Those many statues of Winston Churchill mounted on federal land might well be removed. Maybe he will launch a query into the the damage England inflicted on Washington during the War of 1812 and pursue reparations. Beware: Our guy in the Oval office throws a mean counter punch.
2
From my experience, Americans tend to view it more as a 'specious relationship.'
On the contrary, most Americans are enamored of all things British and have little respect for the corrupt man-baby in the White House. The “special relationship” is a deep bond of language, history, and culture, and I see little prospect of any President changing that, regardless of his arrogance or mendacity.
3
The Pretend King Trump dare not show his face in front of American protesters. His fear of us has cemented our resistance to his bully behavior. We applaud those who protest against the Pretend King. After all, the British know a Pretend King when they see one. We are with you on the protest line even as your leaders still smile in front of the cameras. PM May should give her hand and sanitize it afterwards. Hopefully PM May shows more distance this time to appease her people but also to show in historical records that she wanted no part in destabilizing Europe.
2
It is interesting how someone so discredited on the world stage gets to spend so much time on it with a big smile on his face. It’s almost like they own that stage rather than just acting on it.
4
Brexit occurred for a reason very close to the reason that Trump was elected.
The Party elites in both countries forgot or ignored "bread and butter" issues such as jobs, trade, immigration, and the fact that working class families need to feed their children.
In both countries, elites, including the Democrats and Labor and media in both countries, used to support "bread and butter" issues for the working class. For example, sending jobs overseas through trade agreements and importing cheap labor from other countries (Mexico for US, Eastern Europe for UK).
Notably, the UK is the only large country in NATO that does contribute 2% of GDP for defense. Wealthy Germany only contributes 1.2%.
While it is true the British elites, like their American counterpart, hate Trump, I've never seen polls of people who voted BrExit since they seem to be invisible to British political and media elites. I suspect Trump and his policies are far more popular to them than to the elites.
2
Nonsense. In our case (America), the party elites forgot about racism and white supremacy. That, as the studies tell us, is what Trump's voters, who were relatively well off, cared about. The post facto rationalizations that David gives us are just a fig leaf for that racism.
David MD wrote:
"Brexit occurred for a reason very close to the reason that Trump was elected.
The Party elites in both countries forgot or ignored "bread and butter" issues such as jobs, trade, immigration, and the fact that working class families need to feed their children.
In both countries, elites, including the Democrats and Labor and media in both countries, used to support "bread and butter" issues for the working class. For example, sending jobs overseas through trade agreements and importing cheap labor from other countries (Mexico for US, Eastern Europe for UK).
Notably, the UK is the only large country in NATO that does contribute 2% of GDP for defense. Wealthy Germany only contributes 1.2%.
While it is true the British elites, like their American counterpart, hate Trump, I've never seen polls of people who voted BrExit since they seem to be invisible to British political and media elites. I suspect Trump and his policies are far more popular to them than to the elites."
2
God Save the Queen ! Surely Windsor Castle has an old dungeon for disrepectful visitors?
4
Trump the New American Emperor will obviously help Britain divide Europe. If you think he will ever work to unite people you might also want this bridge in NY he keeps selling.
Trump rode Brexit into his takeover of the US. He isn't going to switch horses ... yet. Look for him to fawn all over Theresa May.
3
And dumbfounded as to choice of date - July 12! Does no one in the Trump Administration read history?
4
I look forward to our friends in the UK coming out in droves to make fun of and protest the abomination Donald Trump, a true embarrassment to the U.S.A. While his closest allies fester in jail or are under felony indictments, he walks free and continues to show the world how bad it can be when you don't protect your elections from your adversaries.
14
This piece is so misinformed that it can only be seen as propaganda. May's fake Brexit proposal hamstrings Britain's ability to strike independent trade deals. This is why she has "turbulence" and resignations in her cabinet. There is no other reason.
2
The English-speaking countries need a common policy on defense, trade, and immigration, and ought to seek to form a more robust political union. America, Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand should ultimately seek to form a political union not unlike the EU. Such a union will rival the EU in population and rival Russia in natural resources. Arbitrary political divisions among the English speaking countries are counterproductive and should be gradually abolished.
Brexit has, thankfully, wrenched Britain from the EU's clutches. America should not allow our closest friend and ally to go to the dogs: I hope Trump can find a way to ensure them of that, no matter what these frothing-at-the-mouth globalists might be saying in the streets.
1
Are they really going to oblige the Queen to receive him? Poor old lady! Elizabeth I would have had his head. Victoria would have told him off. E. II will try to make small talk and to listen as he raves on, nervous, defensive and, as usual incoherent.
4
Donald has a serious problem with strong women. He trash-talked Hillary, trash-talked Merkel, and we only have a y or two to hear his comments about Theresa May. Knowing nothing about foreign relations or diplomacy and having evaded military service, he has little appreciation for the sacrifices made to build strong alliances with Europe.
4
Theresa May is better off without Trump and without Brittain's Trump-look-alike, Boris Johnson. The real question is whether the UK is better off without the EU.
4
Re: Special Relationship
"“Free riders aggravate me,”.. said the President . Great Britain, he warned will no longer be able to claim a “special relationship” with the United States if it did not commit to spending at least 2 percent of its GDP on defense"
President Obama 4/2016
1
With every word that he speaks, Donald Trump is proving himself a greater fool than I thought he was.
8
Special relations? Give me a break, for Trump it is America First (actually Trump first). Any "special relation' , with any country is therefore an oxymoron.
Ah, except may me with Israel, North Korea and Russia...
2
It's looks like Trump is a Rockstar on Russian televised media, people in the world should ask why.
10
Comrade Trump rarely tells the truth. Yes, he probably is more comfortable around his master, Putin. In general, he has better things to say about many of the world’s dictators than he does about our closest democratic allies.
Even in other countries than the U.S., Comrade Trump brings out more protestors than the few who showed up for his inauguration. It will be a lot more than 100,000. That number showed up in the U.K. to protest George W. There are a lot more Brits who are offended, disgusted and angry with what Comrade Trump does on a daily basis.
7
He's going to stick it to May and Britain.
Under no circumstance should May tie UKs future to any agreement with America under Donald Trump.
He's untrustworthy, capricious, has no impulse control, greedy, self-interested, has no fidelity, and is attached to Putin.
They need to remind him that Putin just killed two of their citizens with nerve gas and demand he face Putin with the facts.
2
What a week Britain is having! Brexit is collapsing like a black hole under the gravity of the lies perpetrated by Mr. Johnson and the other Brexit supporters. One very enthusiastic supporter of Brexit, we now know, was the Kremlin. England lost 2-1 to the traditional football power Croatia. And now Mr. Trump will defile Queen Elizabeth (at tea, no less) and Scotland. Scotland was where his mother was born who did not speak English until she arrived without a penny to her name in America. Mr. Putin gave the Brexit supporters diamond mines. Trump got only the Stormy Daniels hush money. As for that cardinal unfairness, I can see the tweets already.
6
Now THEY deserve one another. Seriously.
5
Britain hates the bloated, overfed baby. Make a big noise, my friends! And, thank you!
16
lest they forget that he is their progeny.
I think it's pretty clear that Trump wants Britain isolated and weakened, just as Putin does. Trump is not going to be diplomatic, and he will be easily insulted, because that's how he is. A trade deal between the U.S.A. and U.K. will not be as profitable as one between the U.K. and E.U., so Trump can't help Ms. May much on that score.
As for the long term view for that special relationship, it all depends on what happens with America. Trump could fall from power in the election of 2020, and then a warm, close relationship could be easily re-established. Trump could hang on until 2024, and then get replaced by a Democrat, and again relations could improve, although there'd be more fixing to do. But in the worst case scenario, Trump could be replaced by Pence in 2024, and then America would turn into a fascist theology, elections would be eliminated, and the U.S. would turn into a fundamentalist, bigoted nightmare similar to the Nazis. In that case, Britain would be our enemy, as would all freedom-loving people, but by then it would probably be too late.
So that's my prognosis, either the Trump bigots lose power and we regain close ties with Britain, or the U.S. turns into a fascist monster, and democracy gets snuffed out. But in the latter scenario, a humanity-ending nuclear war is quite likely, so at that point nothing much matters.
1
Theresa May is a traitor to her people. Trump should side with them, not her.
1
How on earth is this buffoon going to get through meeting the Queen without embarrassing the US? Will he do his aggressive, pull the person forward handshake?
To the British people - please know he does not represent the majority of Americans and accept our apologies in advance. Please bear with us until he's out of office, for we suffer on a daily basis.
5
Theresa is beginning to look a bit like Little Red Riding hood and the wolf Trump is licking his chops while under sheep's skin. If Trump is the UK (i.e. May's) help in the BREXIT fiasco I do pity you.
She's either really smart to try to cater to him, knowing full well that he is an uneducated liar or as dumb as a box of rocks.
5
Dearest British cousins,
Protest. Stand up, raise your fists in the air, yell with your mouths full of teeth that look like tombstones in a colonial graveyard and tell this American abomination that he is, truly, an American abomination.
If you want to arrest him and imprison him for crimes against humanity, I personally wouldn't mind. We could also send you Pence.
Tower of London for the lot, methinks.
Cheerio.
8
I might add that the British protesters would yell, repeatedly, "Lock him up! Lock him up...!"
lest they forget that he is their progeny.
He has British and German genes. what do you expect, but boastfulness, arrogance and publicity seeking behavior.
I suspect the Queen will let Trump know exactly how little she thinks of him in the most gracious and subtle way...but that moron will be too stupid to even know it.
10
Trump is running a protection racket in our name. If the envelope isn't heavy enough, he turns away and you get hurt. If it is heavy enough - this time - then one is ok - for now. But it better be heavier even next time.
He's threatening those that have asked for asylum and their kids have been taken away. "You want to see your kids again, you'll self-deport now".
He's a THUG. He's destroying America from within and all these Republicans have made a deal with the devil. Soon,though, the devil will want his due. Stupid, cowardly Republicans trying to deal with a bully that lies and thinking it will never come back to harm them.
It's harming all of us and no one is protecting us from the Head Thug.
8
"Both Mr. Johnson and Mr. Farage have accused Mrs. May of weakening the terms of Britain’s exit and, if Mr. Trump makes it clear that he agrees with them, that would damage her." This is total nonsense. Trump is hated and reviled so much in the UK that if he takes sides against Mrs May on Brexit (which he has, today), that will only strengthen her. Trump, you Ugly American, go home.
1
If Trump wants to go where he is truly loved, he must go to Montana or South Dakota. He is not welcome in Europe. He is admired in Russia, Saudi Arabia and North Korea. But, alas, the leaders of these countries laugh at this clown after he departs. They know how to play him like a fiddle. A sad little man. Look at his cabinet. Out of 320 million Americans he found twenty or so souls willing to fawn over him in a way that would make anyone with an ounce of pride puke. Embarrassing to most Americans.
4
Poppycock!
Britain's importance in the world is, like any country, based upon its value to those around it. If Britain wants to play this worldly game it has to sacrifice something of value from time to time to placate the bigger players; here, the U.S. (Scandinavian countries, for instance, have long mostly opted out of this game, and their people are probably better for it.) With or without the E.U., and to much greater numbers, Britain has willingly sacrificed its servicemen/women to the beckoning of American wars. Where American forces are, British forces usually are, too. Oh, and the fact that everyone seems to forget the strategic location of Britain, and that it possesses one of the most advanced listening establishments on the planet, along with its long-envied global intelligence network. So let's get real: The special relationship is purely about how much blood and silver Britain is willing to spend to placate the American wish to remain a dominant power.
And Britain has, repeatedly, even when openly insulted by the likes of Trump, Bush II, and that numbnuts Rumsfeld. Those are true friends.
No doubt. Our "special relationship" has proven durable. But he is really trying to ruin it.
3
Looking for political help from Trump is a total misread of the mood of both British and American voters. If she is this tone deaf it might be better for the U.K. to seek other leadership. In case she hadn't noticed neither Macron or Merkel are inclined to pay homage to the "orange menace" and their political fortunes while not spectacular are at least credible in the eyes of their respective electorates.
4
Britain can take some comfort in the fact that Trump’s term will soon be half over. In the unlikely event he does get a second term, most Europeans will begin despising all Americans as much as they do Trump. We would deserve it.
7
"As many analysts have pointed out, no matter what strategy European leaders have tried in dealing with Mr. Trump — distance from Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany, charm from France’s president, Emmanuel Macron — none have worked."
There is a group photo from the NATO summit where (other than May) everyone else is trying to look anywhere other than in trump's direction. Especially telling is where Macron seems to be holding court with other leaders (with trump standing in the distance and gesturing to no one in particular).
trump is a lonely old man with apparently no redeeming qualities that engender compassion. His children's loyalty is purely transnational (since he has nothing else to offer) Even his wife doesn't communicate any love towards him (holding hands appears to be an issue).
He is in the winter of his life. While he articulates that he's not concerned with what other people think, his twitter rants suggest otherwise.
So what works? He has more years behind him than ahead of him. Our world will be free of him. In the meantime, try treating him like the kid that no one likes. Let him construct a "bunker", because that is the last mental space he will ever occupy.
5
"spending a couple of awkward days with Mr. Trump might actually be a relief."
A couple awkward days?
He'll find some lame excuse to leave Britain after day one.
Count on it.
2
If an American may be so bold, I would advise the UK government not to embrace Trump.
Those who elected Trump are, of course, a force that will continue to exert influence over American politics for a while. However, Trump himself seems to be hard to imitate and "Trumpism", however you define it, is centered on him, not his followers. (Just ask him.)
Odds are good that whoever follows Trump, even if he tries to follow in Trump's footsteps, won't be able to sow chaos without personal consequence the way Trump does. Britons and Americans of good will ought to keep calm and carry on until Trump is gone from the scene.
4
To the people of the United Kingdom: First, deepest sympathies to you for having to endure, if relatively briefly, a visit by the worst President by far in U.S. history. Although his presence on your soil is akin to enduring tooth extraction without anesthesia, keep in mind that he soon returns to our plagued shores where his chaotic and damaging ignorance will continue. It will be great fun for Americans to watch, however, your matchless ability for wicked ridicule and hilarious embarrassment. Hail Britannia!
Second, keep in mind that this Fake President's tenure is indeed numbered. The Mueller Investigation chugs along, well under the radar, collecting more and more evidence implicating Trump and his criminal/traitorous gang of any number of offenses against the laws of this country. It can be expected that not only will our disgraceful reprobate be impeached and removed from office, but also end up in the dock. In short, you will not be exposed to this bad joke of a Yank leader for long. We will be jointly and gloriously celebrating his demise.
Finally, are entwined histories are too long, important, and celebrated to be permanently damaged by the thoughtless words and reckless actions of an electoral aberration. You've had your share of despots in a rich history, jettisoned them, and prospered. We'll do the same with ours.
27
I agree!
1
After a long lifetime of incredible service to her Commonwealth, the Queen is now called upon to make her greatest sacrifice...meeting trump.
May God help her.
23
Let's be clear. The Brits hate Trump. But that doesn't mean they're not fond of Americans.
20
That's a pretty blanket statement there, Dave. Do the soccer hooligans/Nationalist/Anti-immigrant Brits hate him too? Have you asked all of them? Dave's not here.
1
Many Americans aren’t too fond of Trump either.
1
Mr. Trump believes only in himself and his family. His strategy and tactics are the antithesis of leadership.
15
I think he would throw his family under the bus if it meant saving him from charges of treason. Wait for it!
3
meliflaw--He doesn't really believe in himself. He is incredibly insecure, as he should be, since he's so lacking in important skills and knowledge. He's an inferior human being and he knows that. That's why he's a bully.
3
Unfortunately, it took a World War, European devastation and innumerable American and British lives to return to "normalcy". Trump is not normal - I fear what it will take here to rid ourselves of this narcissistic blight.
3
We apologize for everything in advance, Britain. He does not represent the majority of Americans. He is illegitimate.
21
I hope the protesters come out in droves to greet Donald Trump. I'm pretty certain there won't be many Trump sychophants like there are at Trump rallies on the US.
21
I am an 84 year-old woman in England. I have not witnessed any belief or trust in the President's attitude, apart from those who might seek some advantage for themselves in proclaiming their solidarity. All the talking has suggested to me - and to many - mere wishful thinking: if we say this, maybe that will make it true because the contrary is too difficult to accept. I haven't seen this hopeful self-deception since Neville Chamberlain's return from Germany with his "peace in our time" document. That was a frightening time, as is this, but eventually we lived through it. Possibly we shall eventually muddle our way through this too somehow.
22
Attention Ms. May and other European leaders:
THE CON DON DOES NOT SPEAK FOR THE VAST MAJORITY OF AMERICANS.
Please put up with him until we kick his sorry behind - along with all the other International Mafia Robber Barons and their operatives - OUT of OUR governments and regulatory agencies at every level.
WE THE PEOPLE - Good, Democracy-loving average people across America - will not allow this to stand in OUR United States of America.
Not now. Not ever.
38
To Donald J. Trump, public employee. As the acting President and a public servant, you serve at the pleasure of the people. Your behavior at the NATO summit having been a disgrace and your overall record having been dismal, I am compelled, as a member in good standing of the public, to relieve you of your duties effective immediately. This decision is final, irrevocable and not subject to appeal. Please clean out your desk and exit the building by end of day. In the interim, I am appointing Barack Obama who formerly held your position, to assume your duties until a permanent replacement can be instated.
29
If only that was possible it would be a great relief to the rest of the intelligent people of the free world. Sadly it's going to take a miracle to get rid of this parasite. Obama was a kind, thoughtful, thinking Prince.
4
GBM--And, I'm sorry, but we won't be able to offer you a severance package, or a reference for your next position. Hand over your keys, on your way out.
3
I suspect that Messrs. Trump and Johnson agreed on a plan that they would execute together, before the latter set it in motion by grandstanding out of Ms. May's cabinet.
5
He’s nor being received at
10 Downing St
Buckingham Palace
Parliament
All highly visible symbols of the UK that most 3rd rate diplomatic visitors are seen at- visibly
His visit is mostly outside the capital London
Please will someone explain how he’s NOT being given the cold shoulder?
Sure looks like it
And good
We should treat him the same at home and then vote
Then get OUR country back
26
Don't we have evidence that Russia is largely behind the European nationalist movements, Brexit and Trump's election?
The West is under siege by Putin and Donald thinks that visit will be the easiest part of his trip.
I shudder to think.
14
Of course Trump doesn't like the way Brexit is going. May had just set out a negotiating position that ties the UK to EU standards for food safety and welfare. That means that we're still not going to accept those chlorinated chickens or the milk from hormone treated cows. If the US wants to sell into the EU and the UK it's going to have to meet EU production standards even when they cost more. However much Trump stamps his foot (and the hard Brexiteers demand that we kowtow to him, because apparently when it comes to quality regulations 'taking back control' means 'letting America sell us what they like' ) the EU will remain a far more important market for the UK for agri goods than the US is.
27
Artful Dodger
You are exactly right in this view. The problem is the MSM in the uK are as the Don puts it fake news. They are leftist leaning London centring leftist leaning EU supporting millennials who know nothing of the real UK past the M25 motorway /freeway ring road. Why because they are not allowed to cross it without their parents permission so they don't go into the real UK where the Don has loads of support because of the reasons you correctly stated hence why the Don isn't going to that massive child's playpen called London! He is staying at Winston Churchills child hood home of Blenheim palace in Oxfordshire and going to places where he will be welcomed!
Chico
Trump is actually widely supported in blighty but the MSM won't allow this view to be portrayed because it's not on their agenda or that of the NWO they tend not to cover anything that is classed as rightwing unless it's bad news but believe me as a Brit the Don has a lot of support in the real UK not the London centric bubble who lean to the left
Britbazza2 - Where is your evidence that Trump is popular in Britain?
https://yougov.co.uk/opi/browse/Donald_Trump
What a pathetic sight: two losers who have failed their respective countries.
29
well said.
We were told that there were going to be thousands of Brits protesting Trump, I doubt there will be even a handful of Brits protesting the Don. Even the Brits know the western world was being swamped over by third worlders and Trump is the answer to all the liberal politicians that were selling western culture down the river. Trump is the dam against the third world flood of the western world and many in Europe are waking up to that fact.
3
The British police think differently. They are expecting protests around the country and police leave has been cancelled with thousands of extra officers drafted to areas Trump is visiting.
18
Don't forget about the giant inflatable Trump baby balloon that the mayor of London has given permission to fly. I wish I could be there with all of the protesters.
9
If only Trump had been around in India or Africa back in the 1850s to help the Indians and Africans build a dam against British immigration, we wouldn't be in this situation now.
Americans have much to learn from the Brits about what its like to decline from world dominance to total mediocrity, & with the US now in decline the pattern will repeat....as for visiting the Queen, it won't be the first time she has hosted a boor & a cad...she will manage it magnificently...its one of the things Brits still do well.
45
Yes, say what you like about our aristocracy but they have a greater capacity to be bored but look interested than almost anyone else! Her husband, Prince Phillip, may actually like Trump. Famous for his own gaffes, he recently allegedly asked "Is that a terrorist" when he spotted a man with a long beard during a walkabout after church at Sandringham!
I trust Her Majesty will explain to Mr. Trump what his name means in informal English.
See (5) below, from Collins English Dictionary.
trump in British 2
(trʌmp ) archaic or literary
noun
1.
a trumpet or the sound produced by one
2. the last trump
verb
3. (intransitive)
to produce a sound upon or as if upon the trumpet
4. (transitive)
to proclaim or announce with or as if with a fanfare
5. (intransitive) British slang
to expel intestinal gas through the anus
Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
19
You clearly do not understand what the payment to NATO that AMerica makes. It consists of: Payment for military salary, equipment, arms, ammunition, training and housing and much more. We pay for that weather our troops are in NATO or anywhere in the world. The so called "scandal" of how many dollars we contribute to NATO is a FAKE ISSUE. If we pull out of NATO those troops will still be a drain on our tax revenue and we will be left open to Russian ambition of world domination. Which is Putins object in the first place.
10
Trump thinks he the most popular President to ever visit Britain, and that they love him over there.....let's see if that is shown to be true.
16
Din’t hold your breath
1
I just want to clarify that Chequers is not "her" country estate, but one provided to UK prime ministers. Trump, on the other hand, is likely to own the retreats he favors, and he charges the US government for events and housing his huge entourage and the press accordingly. "MAGA" hats are likely available in the gift shops.
23
I'm not sure what either Trump or May is so happy about in this photo.
Both have lost the trust of the majority of their citizens and the respect of the rest of the world.
32
Vladimir Putin must be positively giddy at how well Trump is doing for Russia. Damaging NATO, destroying our trade relationships and helping to cripple American business and farmers' livelihoods, forcing the country that was the leader of the free world to become becoming an isolationist pariah state. And at such a small price.
I'm not out of hope yet, but certainly one of my last hopes is that in two years (or, God help us, six), when Trump is gone and of no further use to Putin, that Russian hotel room videotape will somehow mysteriously leak onto YouTube so we can all finally see what it was Trump was willing to destroy this country to hide from us.
23
Nigel Sheinwald, a former British ambassador to the United States said, “the trans-Atlantic relationship has been of declining importance to the United States for most of its 70-year life, though this was sometimes masked by the warmth of personal ties between individual presidents and prime ministers.”
The first foreign trips US presidents made since World War II had – with the exception of Trump - he travelled to Saudi Arabia – mostly been to Canada or Mexico.
Truman’s first post-war destinations were Belgium, Germany and the UK. Eisenhower’s first trip was to South Korea in 1952 and he visited the UK only in 1959. JFK visited Europe and the UK many times, apart from Latin America. Johnson’s trips abroad were mostly to Asia, Australia and Latin America – Germany and Italy were the only two European countries he visited. Nixon made three informal visits to the UK, but he also visited Iran, China, Russia, the Middle East etc. Gerard Ford didn’t come to the UK at all. Jimmy Carter made his first overseas trip to the UK, to attend the 1977 G7 summit.
Since Reagan, the number of presidential trips abroad had risen. Many of their visits to the UK have been informal. Because of Margaret Thatcher, Reagan came many times and addressed the Parliament in 1982. GHW Bush visited the UK thrice. Clinton - seven times. GW Bush – five gimes. Obama – five times. We should keep track on how Trump's visit this week will end and whether he will contemplate making another visit.
3
Is this a news story or an editorial “news analysis?” Seems like the latter, but it is not on the “editorial page.” The distinction between reporting and editorial opinion used to be very clear at the Times, and that was one thing that made it a great newspaper. Now, there is editorial slant in every article.
7
If you need to rely on a page number to tell you the nature of an article, you must find nuance too much of an intellectual burden. I suggest you turn to the NY Post or British tabloids like the Sun or the Daily Mail to relieve you of that burden.
Black-tie dinner at Blenheim? Really? I say it is a disgrace! Winston would surely have said "It is foul baboonery". He might also have said "take the baboon to McDonald's".
43
May has lost three ministers. I’ve lost count of how many resignations, firings and bootings have come out of the Trump administration. If May has turbulence than Trump has Sharknado.
38
Bottles: Brits weren't playing in the WC. England was. NI, Scotland, and Wales didn't make it into the final 32.
9
First, the World Cup exit. As if that wasn't enough they get a visit by Trump. My thoughts and prayers are with England during this most difficult time.
35
I was rooting for England and was gutted when they lost in the World Cup. But on reflection,I think it may be for the best. It's a lesson for England in handling the inevitable let-down if Brexit becomes reality. (And it was English votes, not the UK as a whole, that made the big difference).
Maybe the Remainers can come up with the late counter-attack that eluded the football team.
6
One cannot believe anything that The Dotard says - he lies incessantly to feed red meat to his ever-shrinking base of cult followers.
PM May should stand her ground and make Trump put his money where his big mouth is (like that would ever happen - he is the epitome of crooked and CHEAP). The world has already seen that Trump cannot be trusted with even the smallest of issues or confidences let alone international treaties. His word is no better than a fake degree from Trump University or his assertion that everything not-trump is fake truth.
Britain has seen enemies like this before - Hitler being the most Trump-like. They have withstood overwhelming odds and can do it again. Rest assured that the vast majority of Americans, whom Trump does NOT represent, oppose his very existence. We are doing all we legally can to regain our Democracy and re-establish firm, trustworthy, mutually beneficial relationships with our allies and friends. WE do not believe Trump, and May should not either. She should do what is best for Britain and we will eventually meet her on a benevolent playing field - but STAND UP FOR YOUR PRINCIPLES!
29
Will there be a representative of the free press at the Tea with the Queen? I mean someone other than the Royal photographer? I can't wait at hear what thoughtless, vulgar, idiotic comment President Trump makes to her and The Duke of Edinburgh (What could they possibly talk about?). Is Melania bringing a Tiffany picture frame? The royal couple do have many great-grandchildren...
21
On schedule today during Trump's England visit is a meeting, at teatime, with the Queen.
I hope Trump tries to shake Elizabeth's hand (which would violate royal protocol); and if he does try, I hope she refuses his gesture and turns away in disgust. In so doing, in one fell swoop she would represent -- very nicely, thank you -- anti-Trumpian disgust felt by millions of her subjects, as well as here in the U.S. and throughout the world.
Speaking of which...
God save the Queen and all of us here in Trump-torn USA.
40
I hope she cancels at the last minute and sends Meghan instead, thus forcing Trump to bow to her!
29
There’s no protocol problem with a handshake. She avoids them, but it’s not prohibited. But you Do Not Touch the Sovereign. No guiding hands, no intimate touches to the arm and absolutely never ever attempt a belly bump. The heaviest frowns of all for that. She’s no fan of the high-five either.
13
Americans don't bow to British royalty or any other. Nancy Reagan was heavily criticized for dropping a curtsy and who could forget the Republican outrage when Obama inclined his heat to a Saudi Prince.
Even if he has't been briefed Trump is far to arrogant and full of himself to bow in front of anyone but Putin. Then he crawls in and kneels.
1
Well the ego has landed! More fun and games for Theresa May.
20
The special relationship is real but is weakening. Among other matters, Tony Blair's conniving with Bush on Iraq still casts a cloud. Going farther back, we rediscover the debates about nuclear disarmament, CND, and peace camps. There has long been an anti-American feeling in England. (I can't vouch for the rest of the UK.) Trump is detested by many. He is admired by authoritarians like Farage and his following among white supremacists and separatists. If Trump shows wholehearted and undiluted support for May, there will be cheers in some quarters, but they will be drowned out by the more widespread groans. If Trump is re-elected, the special relationship is dead.
12
The only 'special relationship' Trump has is with his own appetite for adulation, power and sex, and the fans that support him no matter what wrong-doings he openly flaunts. Ms. May: Don't look to Trump for support; what he promises one day, is reneged on the next. He may give UK some trade deals just to spite the EU, or he may not. Its all about his own image on the 'show' he's starring in.
20
The Big Baby Trump balloon that the British protesters have paid for and plan to fly over Parliament is priceless. Large, orange, wearing diapers and clutching a phone in its tiny hands.
A perfect visual image of the intellectual, psychological and moral mess that a portion of the American electorate has installed in the White House.
It is truly mortifying and uplifting at the same time.
88
Can we get copies of that same balloon here in the USA? We need them here too.....think of hundreds of them placed around the USA making a clear statement...The Statue of Liberty, downtown DC, even Macy's parade!
2
I hope Mrs May doesn’t trust anything Trump says. She should have a chat with some of the vendors and contractors who had contracts Trump reneged on. She can also check with the folks who signed on at Trump U.
Trump wants Britain out of the EU so he can bully them more easily. Hopefully she smart enough to realize a close relationship with Europe is more advantageous to Britain.
Boris Johnson is a Trump guy - probably better that he is out of the government. Most of what he said/promised before the Brexit vote was a lie and like Trump, Putin helped him.
The Brexit vote, like the Trump vote, was far from a ‘mandate’ - Brexit was close and as we all know, Trump lost the popular vote. Many, if not most, of the people who voted for either voted on emotion (fear, rage, racism) and many of them will be hurt by their votes. It’s a bad time. Leaders, real leaders, need to stand up to Trump, like all bullies he will fold.
22
The Brexit vote also appears to have been manipulated by the Russians, like Trump's election.
6
Curious to see if the press will ask Trump about Russian nerve agents in the UK. With Brexit, wondering if the US will pull out of the UK re military bases. With Brexit, wonder how many US financial companies will leave London. Trump's time should be focused on NATO and the EU if he was wise, Britain is truly an island.
12
Please, please don't embarrass us and trash our truly special relationship with Great Britain, Mr. President. We love this mother country of ours. Notwithstanding our rebellion in the 1700s, we're still close family. And together we've stood fast to spread and protect democracy.As is said, we go back a long way.
13
It wouldn't surprise me if the President, upon visiting Windsor Castle, calls it a dump. (like he did about the White House)
On the flip side, he yearns to be a King.
20
"Both Mr. Johnson and Mr. Farage have accused Mrs. May of weakening the terms of Britain’s exit and, if Mr. Trump makes it clear that he agrees with them, that would damage her."
That would only damage her in the eyes of those who are demanding the so-called "clean" brexit and who actually believe the UK can make up for the economic losses resulting from leaving the EU with closer ties to the US.
Most people 1. loathe Trump, and 2. do not want to be subjected to the predatory American multinationals and the lower standards that come with this kind of relationship. See, e.g., chlorinated chicken, privatising the NHS.
14
We are all eager to see the giant balloon depicting Donald Trump as a baby flying over London and then his golf course in Scotland. The Brits seem to know who Trump really is more than millions of sad Americans who have made him their god-hero.
33
Croatia 2 England 1. The Brits should be in a proper frame of mind to give the President a rousing welcome. Game on.
8
If Theresa May had any guts, she'd refuse to be associated with Trump. He only affirms that she's ready to sell her and her country's soul to remain in power. Her conservative party is selling everything that isn't bolted down (including ripping up the land, which is not even suited for it, for fracking, and refusing to support clean renewable energy) to promote themselves.
This will not end well. Steve Bell nails it, as usual (great visual):
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/picture/2018/jul/11/steve-bell...
16
@Susan ( thanks for the !! on the other comment luv)
Every day that May stays in power is another day that me homeland gets closer to reunification because of all of the ''hard border'' talk in the north. ( let alone Scotland's timetable for another vote moving up)
So, there is a lot of pain right now, but Labor is looking good more and more every day. Keep the faith.
6
Good luck to Prime Minister Theresa May today, tonight and tomorrow in London and Windsor as she hosts Donald Trump in the UK. We remember Princess Diana -- so spot on -- calling President Reagan "Old Horlicks" after they danced at the White House in her (and Prince Charles's) State Visit in 1985. Reagan, in his 2nd term as President was heavily made up, skin bright red, hair dyed, and he was the epitome of 'mutton dressed as lamb'; at age 77 his journey into Alzheimer's had begun. Millennials weren't born then and Gen Ys were toddlers. Adults now, they have no frame of reference for Donald Trump (or Reagan).
Mad King George III was responsible for the "special relationship" between England and America in our Revolution of 1776. We have no idea what president Trump's "mad king brand" of bigotry, hubris and lack of human decency will create. Our 45th president now resembles Ronald Reagan in many ways, not least of which as a TV host and hustler. The "unpresidented" (h/t Trump) presidental scammer is the frightening new paradigm of an American leader.
Trump's visit to NATO was beyond contentious. His chorus (Pompeo, Bolton, Kelly), visibly on TV, was not happy. The reality of Trump's visit to Europe beggars description. All we know now -- before Trump's tea with HM QEII tomorrow, and his Helsinki Summit with Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, on Monday -- is that we await the judgment of time on Trump's disastrous foreign policy and his presidency.
31
I couldn't stand Reagan and believe him to be vastly over rated. His team included some highly unethical terrible people. Iran Contra and other dirty tricks. Reagan's phony trickle down tax con game continues to rule the Republican Party... and explode our deficit.
That being said, Reagan didn't sell US out to the Russians. He did listen and act on occasion based on factual information (not always, but sometimes).
Trump, I loathe to the power of 10. Well on his way to being the worst president ever. Definitely the biggest most extensive LIAR. Over 3,200 in just 17 months. His statements about and actions regarding putin and Russia are by definition traitorous.
Yet morally bankrupt republicans continue enabling him out of fear of trump's twitter feed and his AND their reprehensible "base". Criminally "sad".
Please end our national disgrace, Mr Mueller and team. The sooner the better, as long as trump goes down. The world is watching US.
For insurance all of US need to VOTE for DEMOCRATS in November.
Dear England: I am so sorry that you will have this man inflicted on you, albeit briefly. I had hoped the Queen would be spared the ordeal of having to meet him. OTOH, Russell Howard is going to have a field day. "Philip -- sword!"
25
Boy we've come a long way from FDR and Churchill. Or have we?
10
There truly must be something unique within the British nation and culture which brings about a true sense of ironic, absurdist humour. (Think Monty Python, etc.)
Some months ago, Mr. Trump made the ridiculous and nonsensical remark that London was filled with so-called “no-go zones” , where the high proportion of Muslim immigrants living in these neighbourhoods were publicly practicing some form of extremist fundamentalist Sharia Law. These areas of the city were supposedly so hostile to outsiders that non-Muslim Britons simply did not dare to risk entering these neighbourhoods at any time.
This of course (like the vast majority of what Mr. Trump says) is complete and utter rubbish. It is nothing more than a pure lie constructed from whole cloth. On the other hand, it is a clear fact that apparently even according to the President’s own security staff, the entire London metropolitan area, one of the great capitals of the free world, truly is a complete “no-go zone” for Mr. Trump personally, and him alone. Apparently his immensely fragile ego cannot bare the sight of any form of public protest or dissent against him or his despicable administration, so he has instead determined that he should stay far away from the British capital.
A no-go zone indeed - for a man well worthy of one. Nothing like some delicious ironic karma for breakfast this morning.
61
That is such nonsense. When my brother and I visited London a few years ago, we stayed in a mostly Pakistani area. We never had any problems.
3
Wolf, you didn't read the comment you're responding to, which agrees with you.
2
We in the US have learned that however bad we fear it might be, it's worse.
Hoping for backroom diplomacy with Trump and his minions is a waste of time. You need to call it early and call it often.
Guy's a monster, a cowardly bully, lazy, evil, and without conscience or self-knowledge.
10
Don't even allow his plane to land. He is a hostile enemy of all that is good in this world.
34
Donald Trump. Made in USA.
1
I wonder which is more painful to the Brits? Losing to Croatia at the World Cup or Trump's visit?
19
Individuals who stake their self-esteem on sporting events deserve the pain that is self-inflicted.
4
In reply to Bottles Southbury CT 06888
Losing to Croatia! The Brits will be happy to see President Trump because his visit will eclipse a humiliating loss. Trust me, I know the Brits. When England was playing Sweden, all the Scots were supporting Sweden!
3
Here is one of Trump's chances to lord the power of his office over a country in need. This man does not represent me or my country. He is a blowhard and a jerk. Unfortunately, he is creating a high level of mistrust throughout the world and it will hurt all of us. Remember what a really awful person in our presidency can do. Anyone with this much power could do the same, but they don't. It takes a Trump to abuse the office of the US Presidency every day. We let evil in and now we must purge.
40
I cannot believe how perfectly Putin managed to pull off that greatest intelligence coup of all times. Divide Britain, divide the US, destroy the EU and bring NATO to its knees.
THAT should be the theme for the next James Bond!
From the way things are going, he may be the only one who can rescue us.
53
Right on target. Thank you.
10
Just waiting for Donald Trump to do his “thumb’s up” pose when he meets the Queen.
Wouldn’t that just take the crumpet?
He does that classless gesture with a sparkle in his lyin’ eyes and just makes a sickening fool of the United States. The man never learned class. If he’s not schmoozin’ or noddin’ he’s thumbin’’ or he even does them all at the same time.
Just get ready. Inhale slowly, exhale......Inhale slowly, exhale......Inhale slowly, exhale......
26
@MIMA -
There are so many words to describe his classlessness and lack if character. At the moment, unfortunately, I cannot come up with any of the ones that are printable!
5
And he knows very well what it feels like to live in a country in turmoil!
No one better to advise the Brits on how whip up the waves further.
8
The Brexit supporters are going to be disappointed by whatever relationship they work out with Trump, because Trump doesn't have allies or friends. He only has toadies and lackeys. They were enraged by having to deal with Europe; I hope they enjoy spending the rest of their lives on their knees to Trump.
27
Please please please kindly ask your POTUS* not to pour a can of petrol on the big Brexit fire. He already threw a few logs on with the Boris remarks, the last thing we need is a leader from overseas toppling a government simply for his own economic end and popularity with his base. Things are slightly febrile here, football aside.
(*I am aware this is a message board and no-one is able to ask him that. It’s a rhetorical device).
I’m good with protests, but I hope they don’t go too overboard with it. I don’t think that balloon is right. We’ve enough of a social divide and a culture war as it is, without a riot breaking out and I think a lot of it is the wrangling over what kind of country we are.
‘Special relationship’ was always transactional, sometimes wheeled out as a PR thing. That said, from my time working in Defence I know there is a lot of mutual exchange, sharing, co-ordination and interplay off the radar.
2
Mat, he will pour that petrol on the fire as that is his nature-starting fires and having no clue how to douse them.
12
We in the US have learned that whatever we fear, Trump will exceed our expectations in making things worse. He has removed all restraints and is feeling his oats.
Whatever he can break, he will. There is no diplomacy, there are no backchannels.
5
That balloon was an expensive thing. Maybe the city of London could recoup some of the cost by renting it out for the NY Thanksgiving Day parade, or to the Mummers in Philly for the New Year's parade.
2
Everyone here ignores the fact that the Bexit vote was manipulated. A recent revelation by the New Yorker, building on previous Guardian investigations, show that Arron Banks, the largest financial backer of Nigel Farage and the Leave campaign, is in bed with the Russians and met with them about 12 times in the year before the vote. Initially he claimed to have met with the Russian ambassador over a boozy lunch just once. Then it was discovered he had met with him 4 times, then more recents it’s emerged he flew to Moscow a number of times. These same 2 people also met with Trump in New York. Get the picture there? Advertising before Brexit vote was grossly false in its promises - a Farage trick. And we have a proven Facebook campaign using purloigned data as well, again no doubt organized by Farage. So Brexit was basically stolen by the Russians, aided and abetted by Farage and Banks, all close friends and frequent visitors to Trump tower before Brexit and even more since. There’s a triad here- Putin, Trump and Farage/Banks. So let’s stop saying the British voted for Bexit and it’s their problem, they made their bed etc. There’s a skunk here and it smells.
101
You’d like Carole Cadwalladr - she’s on the trail, in the face of a lot of misogynistic bullying and veiled threats by Banks and his ilk. She’s on Twitter, if you don’t already know her.
3
This constant refrain from the left will unravel all of your parties. Keep blaming Russia when a vote doesn't go your way and see how the voters reward you at the ballot box next election. Trudeau is toast already gonna blame that on the Russians?
2
And the constant refrain from the right, and the numerous Russian posters on these sites, just lights up the boards, and will probably unravel all your parties. Trudeau is toast? Not in my province! Just look at the alternatives.
Donald John Trump Sr. is no Harry Simpson Truman nor Dwight David Eisenhower nor Ronald Wilson Reagan.
Theresa May is no Queen Elizabeth I nor Queeh Victoria nor Margaret Thatcher.
" Two people divided by a common language" Winston Churchill on the difference between the country of his American mother and his English father. Trump had a German father and a Scottish mother.
Britain along with the other European empires Belgium, France, Portugal, the Netherlands lost their empires in the wake of their World War II victory. America , China and the Soviet Union won the war and brought Germany, Italy and Japan along after the war to socioeconomic political power and prominence.
1
FYI Harry’s “S” stood for nothing. His family didn’t believe in middle names. Isn’t that interesting?
7
I was hoping someone would point this out. Ex- Kansas City girl, near Independence MO.
Not relevant. Normans wanted surnames for the Anglo-Saxons.
1
Donald Trump's special relationship is with its electoral base in the US and with nobody else, not in the US nor across the world. As simple as that. Does NATO's burden sharing have to change? Absolutely. Can Europe buy more from the US? Absolutely, but the reverse is also true. But internacional commerce is driven mostly by cost calculations. And that is good. Economists have known this for ages. Why does Europe buy so much russian natural gas? Because it is cheaper. The same reasoning applies when the US buys so much from China. Mercantilism gets you nowhere. And when Trump focuses so much on trade deficits with other countries and economic blocs, why does he consider only commodities and never mentions services? Is it because the US runs a huge trade surplus in services? Let's be fair.
28
I meant "his" electoral base and not "its" electoral base. Sorry for my grammatical mistake.
2
I keep thinking about the episode of The Crown where then-President and Mrs. Kennedy visit Queen Elizabeth in the 60's, and one scene is focused on a gaffe by Mrs. Kennedy in how she initially addresses the royals. Somehow I think that is about to be far upstaged, with many standards of British and royal etiquette to be shattered. It would be popcorn-worthy if not absolutely nauseating to have this man as the head of our government.
44
The 'special relationship', appropriately in quotes, is a chimera. It only applies really to the war-forged bond between FDR and Churchill, and even there the rationale was completely different. The latter desperately needed help to safeguard Britain and its Empire, the former wanted to make sure that at the end of the war the US would have access to as many markets as possible. When looking at key events, even shortly after the war, such as the War in Korea, the Suez Crisis and quite a few more, it is clear that the relationship didn't extend to unconditional assistance. For one, as the article also alludes to, the UK is politically much more European, with a very strong streak of socialism. This alone suffices for many in the US to recoil in horror. More importantly though is probably the fact that the UK believes in diplomacy and compromise to achieve its aims, even if has little compunction in revisiting agreements and alliances. So, yes, Theresa May will have a few awkward days ahead of her, but that is very much a problem of her own making.
4
@Rudy
Thankyou for your comments, they made my day. I would not have expected them nor thought we deserved them, considering the way we’ve treated Europe over the years. So thank you, and I hope my country comes out of its stupor one day and remains with our European friends.
6
Much of the rules-based world order is in America's interest, but Trump is too blind to see it. His "might makes right" approach works as long as the US is top dog, but as history has shown, no country has remained top dog forever. But, for the first time in history, it is possible to create a system that ensures that we'll continue to prosper even as other countries prosper, too. Too bad Trump doesn't know history.
"..it is clear that the relationship didn't extend to unconditional assistance. "
A "special relationship" doesn't require that one party be blind to the faults of the other.
UK PM May needs help? Hardly. She is doing very well walking away from Brexit after saying for nearly two years that she supports the UK leaving the EU. She is on her last legs as PM. Trump should push her over.
2
I never thought I would want to defend Theresa May, but I can't let this go. She is trying to do the impossible: deliver a Brexit that will not be catastrophic for the UK's economy while keeping together a party and a Cabinet who can't agree on the fundamentals of Brexit. Trump is merely a distraction to that.
14
President Trump is not so much "attacking the institutions of the post-war international order" as trying to get them to function more effectively and in America's interest.
3
Trump makes the mistake of equating his own interests with America's; this is what enabled the Russians to manipulate him, the Republicans (whose loyalty to party and power far exceeds their loyalty to the voters and the Constitution). It's called collusion, collaboration, and treason.
9
". . . trying to get them to function more effectively" clearly is not the same as "in America's interest" according to our presidential poseur. He can't manage the border war he's started to the south ~ or with Canada, either.
8
The special relationship is real but it is weakening. Among other matters, Tony Blair's conniving with Bush on the Iraq issue still casts a cloud. Going farther back, we rediscover the debates and demonstrations around nuclear disarmament, CND, and peace camps. There has long been an anti-American feeling in England. (I can't vouch for the rest of the UK at this time.) Trump is detested by a large slice of the population. He is admired by authoritarians like Farage and his following among white supremacists and separatists. If Trump shows wholehearted and undiluted support for May, there will be cheers in some quarters, but they will be drowned out by the more widespread groans. Trump is toxic to many Brits. If Trump is re-elected, the special relationship is dead.
2
From what I have been reading Ms May has her hands full over in England. My advice would be to stay as far away from trump as she can. She might want to make a trade deal with the US however she should waite till a sane person is in the WH. I believe the quickest way for England to be Oster sized in the world is to be pals with our deal leader.
19
Buy a bigger phone.
1
I cannot help but recall the scene between Hugh Grant and Billy Bob Thornton in "Love, Actually." It's as if Richard Curtis knew this day was coming. I have little hope that Ms. May will respond with the ferocity of Grant's character, but we can hope!
13
May has made her bed, now she must lie in it. The vote to exit the European Union was clear and concise, but the May government has been backpedalling, and hemming and hawing to such a degree that her ministers are resigning in frustration. Trump absolutely will not help her in any way, shape, or form--nor should he.
2
The vote was very close, 51.8% to leave and 48.2% to remain, and because a super majority was not required as it should have been with such an important constitutional question the country is now split in two. And a question asking if you want to leave is too simplistic for such a complex matter after two years the Tory government are still arguing about what would qualify as leaving. So hardly clear and concise.
And you can only back-pedal if you've made any progress. And with a fudge of a white paper being released only today after two years of internal party squabbling and which will certainly be rejected in part by the EU so pushing us even closer towards the cliff edge of a no deal next March, there hasn't been too much of that.
17
The backpedalling is in reference to the clear and concise vote to leave. Your parsing of the vote is unconvincing. A majority vote was all that was needed. And as to your charge of a vote to "leave" as being too simplistic, I disagree. It needn't be complicated (as those in Brussels would wish it); moreover I present Boris Johnson's resignation letter as Exhibit A---it pretty much sums it up--rather simply.
You mean the letter where he said the EU had prevented the UK from passing a law to lower lorry cab windows to improve visibility and so "save the lives of cyclists" when it was actually a European Parliament proposal that the UK Government opposed?
It sums up Boris very well though not much else.
Theresa May will not in any way be expecting support from the current US president. She has the clear disadvantage of being a woman, and of being courteous (as does Angela Merkel). What happened to love thy neighbor as thyself? Turn the other cheek? Remove first the mote from one's own eye?
5
That ballon will, and with luck will be given permission to fly over Trump as he plays golf at the expense of British taxpayers (the sponger).
67
Trump is a sponger. He hasn't paid taxes in years, files bankruptcy like clock work, blows through other people's money which for some reason bankers enable him to do, stiffs contractors, buys his Maga hats from China. He's the biggest sponger con man on the planet.
1
Mrs May needs help, but to be seen asking for, never mind getting, help from Trump would kill her off politically. The incompetent handling of Brexit has severely damaged her party. The party is riven with dissension and rebellion. Topping that off with association with Trump would doom her in the eyes of the electorate.
Besides Trump is actively seeking to undermine the British government by supporting the minority of Brexit extremists. He'd love to be asked to help ... and take even more pleasure in refusing.
30
Well said. Trump is a divider then conquer. All of the current babble Trump is causing NATO , the EU, and now
the UK, could be reduced down to “sound and fury signifying nothing”.
A US president with a sense of history, a sense of community and a sense of working for the common good could help solidify Europe’s current malaise.
The single most disturbing fact of all these current worries is the deference Trump is giving to Putin. This deference carries with it the dark, highly suspious actions Trump has with Putin that Trump is deeply in some sort of debt to Putin and has no choice but to follow Putin’s biddings.
13
Trump seems to have trouble relating to the women leading Germany and England. Probably because both are smarter than he is. May, a graduate of Oxford, speaks both English and French and a smattering of German, although her German accent was recently ridiculed. Merkel graduated from a university in Leipzig with an undergraduate degree in physics, and a doctorate in physical chemistry. She speaks fluently, English, German and Russian, and a smattering of several other languages. Trump transferred to University of Pennsylvania, a supposed business degree, declared bankruptcy at least. 4 Times, couldn't get a loan from an American financial facility and barely speaks one language.
267
Bur both May and Merkel's governments are wobbling, while Trump is winning on all fronts. In politics, the prize doesn't necessarily go to the most educated--it never has and never will.
4
Trump lost the popular vote by almost 3 million votes. According to a recent poll he only has a 41% approval, meaning 59% of the country disapproves of him. We'll find out in November just how well his administration is doing.
48
41% approval, that's the problem. The American tragedy.
1
Dead Britian, can we borrow your giant Trump baby float? Seeing how it terrifies the coward into avoiding anywhere it is we would like to put it in front of the Whitehouse. Thank you for your consideration, America.
87
The Trump Baby may be going on a world tour! It would be delicious to see it fly over Trump Tower in NYC !
88
America, mass produce the Trump Blimp!
10
I luv that balloon!
5
Trumps team seemed to be distancing themselves from him at breakfast.
I believe that everyone in the world with the exception of Putin and Trumps base are anxiously looking forward to Trumps removal.
The meeting with Putin will hopefully be closely monitored and memorialized.
I cannot believe that the Queen of England is going to receive Trump.
Don't they watch Access Hollywood"?
" I better use some Tic Tacs just in case I start kissing her. You know, I’m automatically attracted to beautiful — I just start kissing them. It’s like a magnet. Just kiss. I don’t even wait. And when you’re a star, they let you do it. You can do anything..."
Another meeting which should be closely monitored.
56
I'm hoping the tea is served icy cold
2
NATO'S 29 states responded mightily when the US invoked Article 5 after the attack of 9/11. Trump seems to have overlooked that fact.
Britain will greet him with the mocking 20 foot "Trump Baby" balloon flown over Westminster.
(He certainly acted as if he required a pacifier in Brussels.)
The question remains is he doing what Russia expects him to do....and how deep in that pocket is he?
#MuellerTime
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But there were only 19 members of NATO in 2001.
1
Whoops. Typing error.
Special relationship? Russia and the Disunited Kingdom are
both once great empires, a pale shadow of their former selves, but retaining pride and, some would say, arrogance.
We share a common language and much history but I don't see the need or desire for a special relationship.
The USA is part of The Five Eyes which is vital to security in the USA.
2
• Trump 'suggested that speaking with Putin might be easier than conversing with Mrs. May, who will host a dinner and a lunch with the president'.
Always the gentleman. So considerate. Just like during the debates (“I was going to say something extremely rough to Hillary, to her family, and I said to myself, 'I can't do it. I just can't do it. It's inappropriate. It's not nice.'”)
Yes, indeed - “Nobody has more respect for women than me!”
• “The government would like it to be otherwise, but I can’t see anything other than Brexit diminishing the U.K. internationally,” Mr. Sheinwald said.
Exactly so.
10
Ms May wants “help” from Trump?
Ok. Here’s what she needs to do: Brexit happens TOMORROW.
Trump says he’s her biggest fan. Great Britain becomes great and independent again. Trump announces HUGE bilateral trades agreements.
Problem solved, Ms. May.
2
Of the two leaders, Trump and May, which has accomplished more during their relatively short tenure? President Trump has and continues to represent the country for which he serves. May struggles to move away from the popular vote to leave the EU system, as the resignation of her cabinet members signifies. Trump is staying true to his political promises during his campaign, May is not. This is the difference. The arthritic European governmental system faces a new threat from a successful businessman turned President of the United States, rational thought.
Being a "threat" to the "governmental systems" of your allies is not a sign of "rational thought".
A wealthy heir who ends up with several bankrupt casinos and a fraudulent university to his name, and who has to rely on Russia for funding because American banks steer clear, is not the very model of the "successful businessman".
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Ask folks in Atlantic City how successful a businessman Donald Trump is. He owned three casinos in Atlantic City NJ, all three failed leaving thousands of folks out of work. In the 2016 election 9407 people voted for Hillary Clinton and 2062 voted for Donald Trump. There were many complaints by contractors who said they were stiffed by the Trump Organization.
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America please don't take all the MSM news from my country as gospel truth because it simply isn't. In the UK the MSM is basically London centric. They don't seem to be interested in any news or UK people or their opinions outside the M25 motorway/freeway ring road also known as the London orbital motorway effectively this is the border of the press and they don't travel beyond it. But the attitude of the the real people of the UK is a lot in support of Donald Trump and what he is doing in the USA. He is a man of integrity and wants to bring back wealth to the USA. In fact he is a rare politician in the fact that he tells the truth. He has to be admired because of the opposition he faces in the Senate and the Republican party as well as the Whitehouse deepstate. In fact a lot of UK people want to highjack your President and make him our Prime Minister.
The other thing I want to mention is the fact that as we leave the EU either with or without Theresa May running the UK we as a nation are going to be forging closer ties with the USA as we seek a free trade agreement with our most powerful ally, which will hopefully drag the EU into a reality check from its current arrogance of thinking that it can make all other EU nations comply with a few dictates at the top of the EU's biggest lobby group, the one which effectively holds all the power of the EU. This is the European Round Table of Industrialists, ERT these are the unelected bureaucrats who run the EU.
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Boris? Is that you?
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You don't have to hijack our dear leader, you can have him with our blessing. I really have a hard time believing the majority of English people admire him!
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Apparently the "real people" of the UK who support Trump is all of 11%-sad!
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Very intelligent to hold the three formal events in the countryside, away from London, in relatively hard to reach areas for protestors. Also makes security easier, which would have brought London traffic to a grinding halt.
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But protesters are hoping that the giant Trump Baby balloon, which shows Trump as an angry baby wearing a nappy, can shadow him when he plays at his Scottish golf course on Saturday. There's an aerial exclusion zone around the golf course so police permission is needed.
5
I'm looking forward to some good protests with large crowds, the bigger the better, with a touch of anger in them.
Nothing violent mind you, but plenty of stuff calculated to let him known how Brits feel about him and discourage him from making any future visits.
They would improve my morale.
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Protests are useless and NEVER effect change.....have all you want.
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There - You appear to have missed the civil rights movement.
2
Also those that brought an end to the Vietnam War.
Rob, the UK's brand of being "mired in socialism" is what makes the country work - the NHS is a great example of how socialist policies benefit everyone.
We need 45, Putin and their firebrand dog whistle politics like a hole in the head. Basically, the vote to leave the EU was a foolish one foisted upon us by the Tory party and their shady collective of leave campaigners.
The UK and Ireland are long partners, and Ireland is a part of the EU. The real Brexit is being decided in Dublin, and that's ok with me. Theresa May knows this too. As for bureaucracy, we have better animal protection and human rights laws - all down to what the UK helped negotiate in the EU. It has been a tool for peace for the past half century on the Continent, and the EU-27 is the UK's largest trading partner.
We will not have a clean break from the EU, and that is a good thing. We shouldn't sacrifice the UK's prosperity on the altar of negativity and spite that is Brexit, to chase the dream of a trade agreement with a country that doesn't keep its promises across the ocean.
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The UK is, sadly, a second rate country, economy and power.......
1
The UK is a tiny country that has the 5th largest economy in the world and is a nuclear power in its own right (not many warheads but who really needs 7,000?). As much as I, like most Brits, like to self-denigrate, realistically we aren't quite down and out just yet. After Brexit, however, that may be a different matter, sadly.
BTW, I am amused by Trump's complaints about defense spending. I always thought that US bases in Europe were to protect America, not Europe, and were grudgingly accepted by their hosts, like the UK. I never thought of the Soviets as our enemies, and saw the Cold War as a foolish spat between the USSR and the USA. Perhaps I was mistaken.
Of course now Russia is sabre-rattling over Eastern Europe, has annexed Crimea and is (perhaps) sloppily assassinating ex-spies in the UK, things are a little different.
1
Inevitable consequence of Brexit is Britain's importance, not only to the USA but to the world. Britain is contracting from the loss of its once-jawdropping empire and admitting that it's a marginal country. Its importance as a banking center has been eclipsed by China's amassing of vast amounts of capital and it finds itself increasingly irrelevant to the modern world. Trump may know this though who can say...
2
"... playing to Mr. Trump’s appetite for flattery and hoping this will at least give him a warm feeling and greater sense of connection to the British." Yes, it seems that Europeans are willing to treat this ignorant crude bully with exaggerated courtesy in a desperate effort to keep him from demolishing the trade relations and security arrangements that define Europe's post-WWII order. But it's a short-sighted and dangerous tactic, as it is already contributing significantly to Trump's re-election that could, over six long years, bring that order crashing down.
The US is in crisis. A civil war is being waged between highly polarized constituencies in the media and the courts over truth, values and the future of the Republic - liberal democracy or racist ethonationalism. It's a battle that liberals can lose. Trump's base believes anything he says. Any soothing European remark about Trump's "leadership" feeds their swallowed lie that Trump is a great leader who can make things happen and before whom the rest of the world cowers. Even American corporations can become convinced that, however bizarre it us, Trump's wild behavior actually works.
The only hope for Europeans, and for us, is to have Trump's ghastly behavior blow up in his face. Instead, dismayed, we're seeing appeasement. But if Europeans don't want six more years of this truly dangerous man, its leaders had best be far louder and clearer about what they truly think of his insults, ignorance and arrogance.
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The World Cup was starting to bring England back together again after a fractious two years since Brexit but now we're out having lost to Croatia in the semi-final yesterday evening. Trump's visit here can do the whole UK some good because we can all get behind the mass protests that are planned. These will be as much about Trumpism as against the president himself and hopefully they will be a launchpad for a pushback against far-right extremism.
Here in the UK, most of our mainstream press stoke up fear and hatred of immigrants and denounce MPs and judges who want a calm conversation about how we leave the EU and what "leaving" actually means as “traitors”, “saboteurs” and “enemies of the people”. History tells us that when the far-right is on the rise we shouldn't just sit back and hope for the best but should join together and fight back.
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The UK is in turmoil because their political leaders have attempted to thwart the will of the British people over Europe. The people spoke clearly, they wanted out of Europe, their government responded with inaction, words (oh! lots of them) and bureaucracy gone mad.
When you leave a party, a house or anywhere else, you do it by walking out and actually leaving (you sort out any fall out later), you don't sit around having cups of tea discussing the fact that you are going to leave.
UK needed (and still needs) a CLEAN BREAK from the EU. Britain is an old country with may ties throughout our planet, they don't need Europe, they need to create the political environment in their country that allows and promotes entrepreneurship and trade. Their country does not.
The UK is mired in European socialism and if they don't make the clean break SOON, it will be too late. Europe is heading over the cliff- and War on the continent is a genuine possibility down the road.
1
You forgot the Russian meddling.
To put it simply, you don't know what you're talking about. Read Jenni Russell's excellent opinion piece in this paper on Tuesday. It is probably the most accurate report written of what the Brexit referendum really was: three outlying politicians (Johnson, Gove and Farage) who would and did say anything to try to boost their questionable futures, regardless of the danger it risked for the country. And let's not forget David Cameron, who agreed to the referendum in the first place because his leadership ability was so lacking that he couldn't control his own cabinet.
Don't get me wrong, I'm all for democracy and the will of the people. But the people need true and verified data and the ability to use critical thinking to make a sound decision. This was missing in the Brexit campaign, after which I wrote in a comment in this paper that my fellow citizens should not think that the same could not happen in America. Sadly, the Brexit warning went unheeded, and look where we are now.
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"The UK is in turmoil because their political leaders have attempted to thwart the will of the British people over Europe."
Please re-read your first sentence (above). What did you intend to say? As it stands now it looks like you are claiming that the British people tried to exert their will over Europe and the UK political leaders didn't let them. Did I miss the UK's attempt to conquer Europe? Did the Times refuse to cover that story?
This odd statement combined with your reference to "European socialism" (as opposed to Asian socialism? North American socialism?), the statement that the UK does not need Europe (because it makes all its own cars and trucks & grows all its own food?), and that war on the continent is possible make one wonder about your true place of residence. "Western Massachusetts" seems unlikely, but in this time I guess even the improbable is possible.
1
Does every move Donald Trump makes reflect Reality TV? Upon arrival in Brussels he exited the car with an angry presentation, and used a different entrance than other leaders.
Throughout, his attitude was one of superiority, his tone and manner overbearing and arrogant. A complete lack of diplomacy that appeared to be staged from the start.
Was it the gangster style that both former FBI Director Comey and Kim Jung un described as Trump's white house operational aura? Trump had demands, not negotiations.
Nonetheless, for being a television performer by trade, Trump showed little self-awareness while there. Certainly no crisis of conscience or remorse as to his embarrassing tussling with leaders in Brussels. And emboldening Putin.
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It is hopeful that he is met with a negative reception unlike any other.That balloon should follow him wherever he goes.This man embodies everything negative in a world that has evolved to global politics and economics and more importantly a world more inclined to be compassionate .about the oppressed and the poor.
This fraud is the antithesis of everything an American and world leader should embody
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Welcome Trump at your peril. Trump cannot be counted on for anything, and there is nothing that he likes more than humiliating others. May and the British in general are in such weakened states that nothing good is going to come of this. I am sorry that your queen is going to have to suffer this crude man. Yes indeed, manners taketh the man, and he, like Boris Johnson, have none. Both men are fundamentally cowards and bullies. Things will not end well for either of them, but unfortunately the rest of the world suffers.
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Although it's hard to think of a less polite President in US history, I think we should welcome him.
I'm sad to see my some of my countryfolk descend into insulting caricature and jeering Trump's arrival.
Manners maketh man.
James Forsythe
5
as a Canadian returning after living in beautiful California for forty years, I hope the Queen gets "ill" and the people of England run him out of the country. may the Trump balloon fly high. this is not a time to be polite. Chamberlain tried that with Hitler.
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Don't be disingenuous: Chamberlain was duped. His foolishness was nothing to do with courtesy.
I dislike Trump, but he represents a country I know and love.
As another Canadian, we tried the nice route back in June and he spit in our PM's face after the fact. This man is a true coward, bullying others about weaknesses he suffers (classic projection and yesterday was classic with AM and that "Russian thing' that dogs him)
SAD!
9
I fear the Queen may be coming down with "a spot of summer flu". Nothing major. Just 2 days rest will do the trick.
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Don't wish illness on her please. I understand your sentiment, but she's been ill this summer already. Once is enough when you're 92!
1
This is an admirably balanced piece of reportage with some interesting analysis, but much of the juice is necessarily left out. Informed opinion is a must in this context.
First, this narrative normalises the performances of Trump and May. May, far from being cautious, has rigidly and relentlessly pushed Brexit even as it damages the standard of living, international relations, business and Britain's status. Where's the caution in that? The Leave campaign was moreover predicated on lies peddled by Farage, Johnson and Johnson's fellow Leave supremo Michael Gove; involved no strategy or analysis; and was underpinned by dirty dealing. May's irrational push for Brexit is aimed, like the referendum itself, at appeasing the Tory party's arch-Brexiteers. Now she's come up with an unworkable White Paper. Any moment now I expect the White Rabbit to appear, clutching his pocket watch...
Meanwhile, there is Trump's own hostile posturing, his every move feeding into Putin's agenda. Again, you can't normalise this: it's unprecedented, crazy, dangerous.
And the icing on this rancid gateau is that the Trump campaign and Brexit seem joined at the hip, with Farage and other bodies and figures linked to Trump involved in the machinations. Thus Trump is connected to aspects of the UK's 'turmoil'.
We will protest the visit of Trump, the self-identified 'Mister Brexit' who trashes allied relationships and cosies up to despots, to the detriment of people on both sides of the Atlantic.
38
Well said. Thank you.
1
Any encouragement from Trump will be designed to weaken the EU, without regard for adverse effects on the UK. May would do well to be polite, even complimentary to feed his ego, then ignore everything he says. The press would do well just to ignore his endless erratic, ignorant obfuscation.
10
The problem for May is that she has nothing to offer to Trump. Sentimental notions of a special relationship are made to order for Trump's disruptive antics. Brexit is an amazingly unthought out walk off the plank by the UK.
25
Weakened Britain or not, Trump would be advised to tread cautiously without attempting to humiliate them. This means no side meeting with the British bully Mr. Boris Johnson, no callous comment against the PM Ms. May, and definitely no incoherent talk in front of Her Majesty. British people might have been forgiven others, but President Trump does not belong to that group. He would be critically monitored for any loose or rude talk, or behavior while he is there as their guest.
21
In the UK we tend to do things a bit differently from Uncle Sam. There will be leftist millennials deciding to wave banners around screaming down with Trump and most of these will be in leftist London or university cities but the real British people that actually support Trump will do as always and sit at home following Trump on the news programs and agreeing with him then chatting at work on the Trump visit. While the MSM part of the British media will promote everything that the protesters say but that's because they are left leaning and please remember America this isn't the whole of the UK portraying these views a lot of the UK do support Trump entirely
2
Well said although Britain is divided at the moment we do have to sort this out ourselves and we will. When Obama came here and tried to order us about like school kids we reared up against him and for a bit hated the USA because of his back of the queue comment which was so blatantly Camoron's line. Although I do respect Trump and his politics along with lot of Brits. It is our political fight to sort out Brexit no one else's. But Trump is needed in the USA with what's going on in the world at the moment
Is the UK similar to the States in that the "leftist" places (in our case New York, California etc..) pay all the bills for the freeloader areas of your country, while they contribute nothing but stagnation, obesity and a drain on our talent, pocketbook and ability to thrive?
2
I'm a bit dumbfounded that the trip is on, with British political turmoil. If Trump is super-friendly toward May and offers a "great trade deal," it'll indeed be somewhat useless because it'll be tied to demands for vastly increased defense spending and, beside, we're on the wrong side of the Atlantic. If Trump's belittling, it might be for the good.
Speculating (probably fantasy, but you don't know), if Trump wrecks NATO, he might be desperate for vast new military bases in the UK to replace those in Germany, which of course he'd expect the British to pay for.
9
If Trump cannot get along with both Britain and Canada, he has really shot himself in the foot with our two closest friends.
22
Good article! It nicely lays out Ms May's predicament. If she cozies up to Trump, she will feel the full brunt of her constituents hatred of a contemptible racist liar or a soft Brexit which won't mean much, but, destroy the British economy.
As another writer has said, all the lies, distortions, and pie in the sky exaggerations about how good and easy Brexit would be... are coming home to roost.
Let's hope for a collapse of May's government and a Labor Party that will stop the madness of Brexit.
4