Boris Johnson and Donald Trump will have a 'sensational' relationship, says US ambassador to the UK

The US ambassador to the UK says he does not think the president will hold a grudge over the new PM's previous criticism of him.

By Alan McGuinness, political reporter

Image: Boris Johnson has criticised Donald Trump in the past

It is unlikely that Donald Trump will hold a grudge over Boris Johnson's past criticism of him, the US ambassador to the UK has said.
Woody Johnson predicted the pair would have a "sensational" relationship, despite a number of critical comments directed at the US president by the prime minister.

"Donald Trump is going to say what he wants to say, when he wants to say it," the ambassador told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

Image: Woody Johnson said the pair have 'so much more in common' in terms of their goals

"And he will comment on injustices or inabilities or how he sees it and I think he respects Boris for the same.
"Boris is going to call it as he sees it.

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"I think they have so much more in common in terms of what they want to accomplish for the good of both of our nations."
Mr Johnson, who replaced Theresa May in Downing Street on Wednesday, accused Mr Trump of "stupefying ignorance" back in 2015 when he was London mayor.
The PM also said the then-presidential candidate was unfit for the White House after he called for a ban on Muslims entering the US.
Mr Johnson also hit out at Mr Trump after he said parts of London were no-go areas, joking that the only reason he would not go to New York was the "real risk of meeting Donald Trump".
Mr Johnson also criticised the president during his campaign for the Tory leadership over his "go back" remarks to four congresswoman of colour, although he stopped short of calling them racist.
The relationship with Mr Trump will be one that Mr Johnson will be keen to foster while in office, given the long-standing ties between London and Washington and the prospect of a post-Brexit free trade deal.

 

'They call Johnson Britain Trump'

Asked if the president will hold the PM's previous comments against him, the ambassador said: "I think the president is going to try and move the ball forward.
"The UK is our most important ally both in security and also in prosperity.
"You are very important and he knows that, and he's made some comments regarding a free trade agreement and putting the UK at the front of the line."
The early signs are that the relationship between the pair could be warm.
Mr Trump has suggested the new PM is the "Britain Trump" and said of Mr Johnson: "He will be great!"