LONDON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday promised Britain a “phenomenal” post-Brexit trade deal, dismissed differences over China’s Huawei and glossed over other disagreements as he heaped praise on the United States’ closest ally.
Feted by Queen Elizabeth on the first day of his state visit to Britain, Trump was effusive about the “special relationship” between the two nations, dispelling concerns he might repeat criticism of Britain and outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May.
“It’s the greatest alliance the world has ever known,” Trump told reporters at a news conference beside May at Britain’s Foreign Office.
Prior to his trip, the collapse of May’s premiership over her failure to secure Britain’s exit from the European Union had raised concerns that Trump could publicly humiliate her.
Instead, Trump called May a “tremendous professional”, steered clear of rhetoric that could embarrass her and let pass contentious topics such as Huawei and Iran while making light of sensitive issues such as her possible succession.
Trump mentioned Boris Johnson, who has said the United Kingdom should leave the EU on Oct. 31, deal or no deal, and Jeremy Hunt, Britain’s foreign minister who has warned against leaving without a deal.
“I know Boris, I like him, I’ve liked him for a long time. I think he would do a very good job,” Trump told reporters at a news conference beside May at Britain’s Foreign Office.
“I know Jeremy, I think he’d do a very good job,” he added.
A WAY OVER HUAWEI
A key area of discord between the allies has been Britain’s preliminary decision to allow Huawei a restricted role in building parts of its 5G network.
The Trump administration has told allies not to use Huawei’s 5G technology and equipment because
