• Home
• /
• Opinion

KT Edit: Trump's strong-arm tactics might not work for the UK

On Monday, US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump will be visiting the UK on a three-day state visit. The state department officials say the visit is to reaffirm traditional ties between the two countries. But the strains are already showing. Even before Trump arrives in the UK, he has aired his views on what he thinks about Brexit and how the country should go about it. He suggests the UK should simply 'walk away' and refuse to pay the $50-billion divorce bill if Brussels doesn't agree to its demands. It is signature Trump way of attempting to strike a deal but hasn't achieved much success for the US as we have seen so far. And it may not be in the best interests of the Britons to use such a strategy, too. The British economy has already taken several hits because of its decision to leave the EU. The ambiguities surrounding the Brexit process haven't really helped its economy and businesses so far. President Trump's support for Brexit party leader Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson also will not ease Theresa May's last days in office. By endorsing these two leaders, Trump hasn't just broken away from diplomatic convention but also ruffled feathers among the Britain's political leaders.
The UK certainly needs new commercial relations as it prepares to exit the EU, but whether it can rely on the US for a good deal remains to be seen, especially under the current administration. During Trump's tenure, the US has challenged rule-based world of trade, jolted established alliances and has been using tariffs as a blunt force to achieve diplomatic goals. Just weeks after agreeing on a new trade deal with Mexico and Canada, US president last week announced fresh tariffs on Mexico for failing to stem the flow of illegal migrants into the US. Stalled trade talks with China is another case in point. Trump's three-day tour is to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day during WWII when Allied forces fought together against fascist forces. It should be a reminder to the US, more than anyone else, of the power of alliances and positives of working together.