When President Trump began confronting China on trade practices, there was always a likely totalitarian Chinese response. The inevitable response when confronting the duplicitous dragon is always an attack; it’s the only way Beijing knows how to respond.
Last week Beijing threatened to take action against any corporation who would be perceived as working against the interests of the state. This week communist Beijing begins doing exactly that:
(SCMP) China’s antitrust regulator slapped a US$23.6 million fine on Ford Motor Company’s Chinese venture for restricting sales prices in its hometown, taking the second such action against US carmakers in three years as trade tensions deteriorated between the world’s two largest economies.
Changan Ford Automobile, the 50:50 venture between Michigan-based Ford and Chongqing Changan Automobile, must pay a penalty of 162.8 million yuan (US$23.6 million) – equivalent to 4 per cent of the venture’s annual sales in Chongqing – for a business practice that restricted retail prices since 2013, according to a statement by the State Administration for Market Regulation.
The antitrust fine on Changan Ford is the latest salvo by China after the commerce ministry’s Friday announcement that it was compiling a list of “unreliable” foreign companies and individuals deemed to be hurting Chinese interests. (read more)
The Red Dragon is doing what the Red Dragon does. Thus we enter the phase when corporate interests, particularly multinationals, recognize at its core China is a communist state-run, controlled-market, system. All western businesses engaged with China are now at risk of retribution from the communist state.
China is counting on the prior western investment being so significant that a corporation will be reluctant to withdraw. However, in this outlook Beijing seriously underestimates the free market because communist controlled China doesn’t understand the action of a inherently free market.
The first loss is the best loss. If walking away from an investment provides more financial security and stability than attempting to retain a grip on a tenuous position – corporations will walk away.
The reaction from China is immensely predictable; and creates a downward spiral. If any corporation is perceived as working against the interests of the state; the state will take control of the corporate interest. What western business interest would want to do business within China when that reality is the landscape of every economic decision?
Meanwhile President Trump, Secretary Wilbur Ross and USTR Bob Lighthizer are not backing down from the confrontation. GM and Volvo, both with major financial investments in China, had requested relief from U.S. tariffs. Here is where the sharp side of Ross and Lighthizer comes into play:
WASHINGTON/STOCKHOLM (Reuters) – The United States has rejected separate requests from General Motors Co and Chinese-owned Volvo Cars for an exemption to a 25% U.S. tariff on their Chinese-made sport utility vehicle models.
GM, the largest U.S. automaker, and Sweden’s Volvo both said they were aware of the respective denials of their nearly year-old petitions. Both companies had not raised the sticker price to account for tariffs, which came into play last July.
The denial of GM’s petition for its Buick Envision came in a May 29 letter from the U.S. Trade Representative’s office saying the request concerned “a product strategically important or related to ‘Made in China 2025’ or other Chinese industrial programs.” (read more)
Trump, Lighthizer and Ross are sending a very deliberate message. If you crawled into bed with the Dragon, don’t look for us to help make your bed more comfy… deal with it.
As Wall Street and the multinational corporate community see that Trump is not going to assist anyone, even an American company who made a previously bad decision to invest in China, that awareness becomes a part of the corporate risk management equation. Again, more pressure to exit the risk matrix that is now Beijing.
Meanwhile President Trump strategically engages with Tiawan and offers $2 billion in weapons to the arch nemesis of Beijing.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States is pursuing the sale of more than $2 billion worth of tanks and weapons to Taiwan, four people familiar with the negotiations said, in a move likely to anger China as a trade war between the world’s two biggest economies escalates. (read more)
Now, many pundits -vested in selling Wall Street positions- immediately begin to stoke fears about this economic confrontation leading to a military war with China, but that is nonsense.
The only way China would be able to deploy it’s military, as a cloaked weapon to assist the economic war, would be if hostile U.S. military action toward an actual Chinese geographic interest was part of the equation. That dynamic doesn’t exist. [Note: this potential need was always the reason for China retaining manipulative control of North Korea as a proxy province.]
So long as President Trump continues hitting China on purely economic issues; and there’s every reason to believe he will; Panda can only hit back using economic tools it controls. The U.S. has far more economic leverage than China in this dynamic. [Note the brilliant Trump foresight of U.S. and Japan relations.]
Thus President Trump only has to position U.S. policy to benefit non-engagement with China (see Huawei); and China will respond by destroying any affiliated business they view as participating in, or supporting, the adverse policy [see Fed-Ex]. Beijing cannot help itself. The dragon will act as a dragon will act.
President Trump has positioned this geopolitical trade reset perfectly. Trump is applying Chairman Xi’s own “us -vs- them approach” toward confronting China. The supply chain investment Beijing needs to sustain itself is now being controlled by elements outside China. Beijing responds by attacking those in the international community who control the investment.
This will not end well for China.
Watch as time goes along and more companies, and nations, slowly walk toward the exits with China. There is just too much inherent financial risk.
According to recent reporting, officials representing the U.S. and Mexico have failed to reach an agreement on measures to stop the flood of migrants traveling through Mexico. As a result of the scale of the crisis, and without an agreement from Mexico to stop the worsening problem, President Trump has announced tariffs on imported goods from Mexico will start June 10th.
A hastily called press conference by Mexican officials is pending. Livestream Link
Predictably Mexican President Lopez-Obrador is unwilling to stop the migration from Central America. There are strong indications the Mexican government does not control the border region as Mexican drug cartels are in charge.
Last month U.S. Customs and Border Patrol report 144,278 people were apprehended attempting to cross the U.S. southern border in May alone. The region is in crisis.
According to recent reporting, officials representing the U.S. and Mexico have failed to reach an agreement on measures to stop the flood of migrants traveling through Mexico. As a result of the scale of the crisis, and without an agreement from Mexico to stop the worsening problem, President Trump has announced tariffs on imported goods from Mexico will start June 10th.
A hastily called press conference by Mexican officials is pending. Livestream Link
Predictably Mexican President Lopez-Obrador is unwilling to stop the migration from Central America. There are strong indications the Mexican government does not control the border region as Mexican drug cartels are in charge.
Last month U.S. Customs and Border Patrol report 144,278 people were apprehended attempting to cross the U.S. southern border in May alone. The region is in crisis.
After departing the D-Day commemoration in the U.K, President Trump and First Lady Melania traveled to Shannon, Ireland. President Trump and Irish Prime Minister Taoiseach Leo Varadkar hold a press availability before bilateral talks. (Video and Transcript)
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[Transcript] PRIME MINISTER VARADKAR: So, I just want to welcome all the members of the press who traveled here. And it’s a great pleasure to be able to welcome President Trump to the Uni — to the United States — to Ireland. And certainly not the first time he’s been here, or in County Clare. This is the first he’s been here as President of the United States. Only, I think, the sixth time an American President in office —
PRESIDENT TRUMP: I think so.
PRIME MINISTER VARADKAR: — has visited Ireland. So we’re very pleased to have you here and look forward to meeting later on.
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Well, I appreciate it. The Prime Minister has done a fantastic job. And we’ve become friends over the last very short period of time. And great relationship with Ireland. I think as good as it’s ever been. Maybe better. Tremendous trade. We do a lot of business together. A lot of trade business together. A lot of tourism together.
And maybe most importantly, you are certainly one of the leading countries in terms of people moving and living in the United States. We have millions of Irish. And I think I know most of them because they’re my friends. We love the Irish.
So, it’s an honor to be here. We’ll be discussing various things. Probably, you’ll ask me about Brexit because I just left some very good people that are very much involved with Brexit, as you know. And I think that’ll all work out. It will all work out very well. And also, for you, with your wall, your border. I mean, we have a border situation in the United States, and you have one over here. But I hear it’s going to work out very well. I think it’s both going to work out well. It’s going to work out very well here.
And, again, both the military and the trade is such a big factor, and we’re going to be discussing that very much.
So, it’s an honor to be in Ireland with my friend, and he’s doing a great job as your Prime Minister.
PRIME MINISTER VARADKAR: The main thing we want to avoid, of course, is a border or a wall between both sides.
PRESIDENT TRUMP: No, I think you do. I think you do. The way it works now is good. You want to try and keep it that way. And I know that’s a big point of contention with respect to Brexit, is your border. And I’m sure it’s going to work out well. I know they’re focused very heavily on it.
Q Mr. President, can I ask you: Do you think Brexit will be bad for Ireland? You said it’s good for the UK, but will it not be bad for Ireland?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: No, I think it should be good. I mean, the big thing is going to be your border, and hopefully that’s going to work out. I think it will work out. There are a lot of good minds thinking about how to do it, and it’s going to be — it’s going to be just fine. I think, ultimately, it could even be very, very good for Ireland. But the border will work out.
Q Mr. President, what do you think of our President’s comments, where he said your stance on climate change was “pernicious” and “reckless”?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Well, I haven’t heard those comments. But, you know, we have the cleanest air in the world, in the United States, and it’s gotten better since I’m President. We have the cleanest water; it’s crystal clean. And I always say I want crystal clean water and air. So I haven’t heard his comments, but we do have — we’re setting records, environmentally.
Q Mr. President, are you concerned that Ireland is not sufficiently worried about the threat from Huawei? I know that issue came up in Britain. Some people worry about it in this country, as well.
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Well, I know that. And we deal very closely, as you know, with your intelligence and your security. And we’re working on that together, and I know you’re concerned like we’re concerned. We’re all concerned about it. So we’ll have it —
PRIME MINISTER VARADKAR: Well, that’s something —
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Right.
PRIME MINISTER VARADKAR: That’s something that the Irish government is concerned about as well, and we’ve been offered some further briefings, information, from the U.S. side, just to give us a security briefing on that. And we’ll do our own security analysis first, and then a (inaudible). But it is something that we’re also concerned about.
PRESIDENT TRUMP: We’re working on that together, very much, with not only Europe but with Ireland.
Q Mr. President, you’ll be spending a few days in Doonbeg. What’s your plan? What will you be doing in Doonbeg?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: So, we’ll be going there, and then, as you know, I’m making a trip tomorrow to Normandy. We had an incredible time today. This was just something that — the likes of which few people have seen anything like it. We were with the Queen and the Royal Family, and we were with the Prime Minister, and it was something very special. And many of you were there. I think almost all of you were there. But it’s been very well covered, and it was truly beautiful.
And tomorrow we go to where it all took place; we go to Normandy. And I’ll be leaving from Doonbeg. I’m staying here overnight, and I thought this would be the best place. I’d love to come to Ireland and stay at Doonbeg, and tomorrow we’ll be leaving and going to Normandy. So, many of you will be coming with us.
Q Is this trip about promoting your golf club?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Say it?
Q Mr. President, is this trip, for you, just about promoting your golf club?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: No, this trip is really about great relationships that we have with the UK. And I really wanted to do this stop in Ireland. It was very important to me because of the relationship I have with the people and with your Prime Minister.
Q (Inaudible) the E3 visa?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Yeah, we’re looking at that. We almost made it last time. It was one vote; you know that. And we’re looking at that, and I’m sure that’s something we’re going to discuss. And I spoke to the one vote, who’s a great senator, by the way. And — he really is; he’s a great senator. And we think we’re going to be successful. He’s a terrific person. He doesn’t mean to do any harm — that, I can tell you. He was telling me he loves Ireland, actually. So I think we’re going to be in good shape.
We had just about a unanimous vote. And —
PRIME MINISTER VARADKAR: Yeah. (Inaudible.)
PRESIDENT TRUMP: And if we get a unanimous vote, we do something that they’ve been trying to do for a long time. So I want to do that for the people of Ireland, but I want to do it for the people that are in the United States that want this vote to happen, that happen to be of Irish descent.
Q President Trump, as USA is co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, what assurances can you offer the government in helping to protect peace in Northern Ireland and avoid a hard border?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Well, I think what’s going to happen is, over the next period of time — first, they’re going to have to see who’s going to be Prime Minister. And I think it’s a very important decision. We’ll see what happens over in the UK, because that’s going to be decision number one: who is going to be Prime Minister. And once that happens, that person will get in and try and make a deal. And maybe if they don’t make a deal, they do it a different way.
But I know one thing: Ireland is going to be in great shape. Ireland is, you know, a special place. It’s going to be in very good shape. I don’t think the border is going to be a problem at all.
Q Sir, did you see those reports of executions in North Korea of the folks who were involved in your summit? Does that worry you at all that Kim would execute these people?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Well, I don’t know if the reports are correct because one of the gentlemen who we deal with is — this is North Korea they’re talking about — is somebody that we know well. He’s a strong man. He’s a strong person. And they like to blame Kim Jong Un immediately. But they said he was killed, and he wasn’t. He was at the theater the other night, so he wasn’t killed. The other four people I know nothing about. But it is — it’s an interesting situation.
And I think that they would like to make a deal and we’d like to make a deal with them. We’ll see how it goes. It’s been going pretty well because there hasn’t been testing of anything major, and, frankly, there’s been no nuclear testing in a long period of time.
When I became President, and before that, as you know, it was all the time: nuclear testing, ballistic missile testing. And now there’s nothing. I think that Chairman Kim would like to make a deal, and I’d like to make a deal with him. I look forward to seeing him in the appropriate time.
And, again, one of the people they were talking about that was supposedly executed wasn’t executed at all.
Q Corporation tax — Ireland’s corporation tax over here —
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Say it?
Q Are you going to talk about Ireland’s corporation tax with the Prime Minister?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Well, the corporation tax — you mean the fact that it’s so low? It is a very low tax. I have to agree.
You know, we have our tax very, very low, but they’ve done a very good job in Ireland. And your Prime Minister has kept it there. And he’s — they have a lot of great companies here.
He should try — he should try keeping it low. I agree.
Thank you very much, everybody. Thank you.
Q (Inaudible) tariffs —
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Oh, it’s true. They’re having a meeting at 3 o’clock today. And, look, I think Mexico has to step up. And if they don’t, tariffs will go on. And if they go high, the companies are going to move back into the United States. That’s all. It’s very simple.
The people aren’t going to have to worry about paying the tax because the companies are going to move back into the United States. There won’t be any tariff.
As far as China is concerned, China wants to make a deal. I have no doubt about it. And the — every signal is they want to. And at the right time, probably that will happen. But right now, they’re paying many billions of dollars to the United States. We never got that before from China. And we haven’t even started. It’s relative peanuts compared to the numbers that we’re talking about.
But I think China wants to make a deal, and Mexico, you know, wants to make a deal. They have their entire delegation right now going over to, probably, the White House location, but to negotiate with our people. It’s headed up by Mike Pompeo and Bob Lighthizer, and Mike Pence is involved. So we have a great group.
But Mexico — look, the drugs that are coming in, the people that are coming in unchecked, they’re swamping our border. They’re coming up by the millions. Mexico can stop it. They have to stop it. Otherwise, we just won’t be able to do business. It’s a very simple thing.
And I think they will stop it. I think they want to do something. I think they want to make a deal. And they sent their top people to try and — we’ll see what happens today. We should know something.
Earlier today President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump joined with H.M Queen Elizabeth and H.R.H Prince Charles to commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day in Portsmouth, England.
The U.K is five hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time. In the final leg of the U.K state visit President Trump and First Lady Melania will attend a D-day commemoration event in Portsmouth, England, with H.R.H Queen Elizabeth II and H.R.H The Prince of Wales.
Departing the U.K. the first couple will fly to Shannon, Ireland for a bilateral meeting with Irish Prime Minister Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, and stay overnight at Trump International Doonbeg.
9:35am BST / 4:35am EST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY depart London, United Kingdom, en route to Southsea Castle Landing Zone, Portsmouth, United Kingdom, London, United Kingdom
10:25am BST / 5:25am EST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY arrive at Southsea Castle Landing Zone, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
10:35am BST / 5:35am EST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY depart Southsea Castle Landing Zone en route to Southsea Common, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
10:40am BST / 5:40am EST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY arrive at Southsea Common, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
10:45am BST / 5:45am EST THE PRESIDENT participates in a photo opportunity with leaders attending an event to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of D-Day, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
11:15am BST / 6:15am EST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY participate in an event to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of D-Day, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
12:45pm BST / 7:45am EST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY participate in a meet and greet with Her Majesty the Queen and D-Day Veterans, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
1:00pm BST / 8:00am EST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY bid farewell to Her Majesty the Queen, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
1:10pm BST / 8:10am EST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY participate in a reception with His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales and other leaders attending the D-Day Commemoration, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
1:35pm BST / 8:35am EST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY participate in a meet and greet with United States Service Members, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
2:05pm BST / 9:05am EST THE PRESIDENT participates in a Luncheon at the D-Day Commemoration, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
2:50pm BST / 9:50am EST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY depart Southsea Commons en route to Southsea Castle Landing Zone, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
2:55pm BST / 9:55am EST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY arrive at Southsea Castle Landing Zone, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
3:05pm BST / 10:05am EST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY depart Portsmouth, United Kingdom, en route to Southampton Airport, Southampton, United Kingdom, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
3:25pm BST / 10:25am EST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY arrive at Southampton Airport, Southampton, United Kingdom
3:35pm BST / 10:35am EST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY depart Southampton Airport en route Shannon Airport, Shannon, Ireland, Southampton, United Kingdom
~ U.K State Visit Concludes ~
4:50pm IST / 11:50am EST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY arrive at Shannon Airport, Shannon, Ireland
5:00pm IST / 12:00pm EST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY depart Shannon Airport en route to Shannon Airport Terminal, Shannon, Ireland
5:05pm IST / 12:05pm EST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY arrive at Shannon Airport Terminal, Shannon, Ireland
5:15pm IST / 12:15pm EST THE PRESIDENT participates in a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Taoiseach Leo Varadkar of Ireland, Shannon, Ireland
5:20pm IST / 12:20pm EST THE PRESIDENT participates in an expanded bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Taoiseach Leo Varadkar of Ireland, Shannon, Ireland
6:00PM IST / 1:00pm EST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY depart Shannon Airport Terminal en route to Shannon Airport, Shannon, Ireland
6:05pm IST / 1:05PM EST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY arrive at Shannon Airport, Shannon, Ireland
6:15pm IST / 1:15pm EST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY depart Shannon, Airport, en route to Trump International Doonbeg Landing Zone, Doonbeg, Ireland, Shannon, Ireland
6:35pm IST / 1:35pm EST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY arrive at Trump International Doonbeg Landing Zone, Doonbeg, Ireland
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QUESTION: Hello, with all the talk of sanctions in the news against North Korea and Iran, have sanctions against a country ever worked? Aren’t they a pretext that leads to violence and war? Has any country that was developing nuclear weapons ever been prevented from eventually having them?
Thanks,
Bill
ANSWER: Sanctions have never worked. I cannot find a single instance where they have ever worked against a country. They are simply punitive in nature and have more of a tendency to lead to confrontation and violence. Take the sanctions against Russia. There is no way they can possibly work. If Putin were to say he surrenders, the Russian people would throw him out. It would be a huge humiliation politically for Russia. So there is zero chance of success. All it does is create tensions.
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump host a reciprocal dinner with H.R.H. Prince Charles and his wife H.R.H Duchess Camilla Parker-Bowles at the Winfield House, the official residence of U.S. Ambassador Woody Johnson.
Video of Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, arrival at Winfield House to attend a dinner hosted by visiting U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump:
Dinner Menu: Steak and Potatoes
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The dinner at the residence of the U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom came on the second day of Trump’s official state visit to the country.
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Earlier in the day President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump welcomed to Number 10, Downing Street, by British Prime Minister Theresa May and her husband Philip May.
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After the initial welcome President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, inside they were shown a hand written copy of the American Declaration of Independence on display inside a glass case. One of only two known handwritten copies.
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While President Trump and Prime Minister May were engaged in bilateral discussions, First lady Melania Trump and Philip May attended a garden party at 10 Downing Street. The second day of US President Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK.
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A review of Winston Churchill’s basement war room:
After President Trump and Prime Minister May hold bilateral meetings and a working lunch they are anticipated to hold a joint press conference at 8:45am EST / 1:45pm BST.
UPDATE: Video and Transcript Added
[Transcript] PRIME MINISTER MAY: This week, we commemorate the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of those who gave their lives for our liberty on D-Day, 75 years ago. As leaders prepare to gather here from across the world, it is fitting that we begin with a celebration of the special relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States, enduring partners who stood side-by-side on that historic day and every day since.
For generations, at the heart of the transatlantic alliance has been our shared democratic values, our common interests, and our commitment to justice. It is that unity of purpose that will preserve the deep-rooted ties between our people and underpin our nation’s security and prosperity for the next 75 years and beyond.
So, I am very pleased to welcome the President of the United States of America on this State Visit to the United Kingdom.
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Thank you very much, Theresa.
PRIME MINISTER MAY: For the past two and half years, the President and I have had the duty and privilege of being the latest guardians of this precious and profound friendship between our countries. As with our predecessors, when we have faced threats to the security of our citizens and our allies, we have stood together and acted together.
When Russia used a deadly nerve agent on the streets of our country, alongside the UK’s expulsions, the President expelled 60 Russian intelligence officers — the largest contribution towards an unprecedented global response. And, in Syria, when innocent men, women, and children were victims of a barbaric chemical weapons attack, Britain and America, along with France, carried out targeted strikes against the regime.
Since we spoke about NATO during my first visit to the White House, we have maintained our support for this crucial alliance. Thanks in part to your clear message on burden sharing, Donald, we have seen members pledge another $100 billion, increasing their contributions to our shared security.
And I’m pleased to announce that NATO will soon be able to call on the UK’s Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers and F-35 fighter jets to help tackle threats around the world.
Today, we’ve discussed again the new and evolving challenges to our security, our values, and our way of life. We share the same view about their origin and our objectives in meeting them.
But like prime ministers and presidents before us, and no doubt those that will come after, we can also differ sometimes on how to confront the challenges we face.
I’ve always talked openly with you, Donald, when we have taken a different approach and you’ve done the same with me. I’ve always believed that cooperation and compromise are the basis of strong alliances, and nowhere is this more true than in the special relationship.
Today, we’ve discussed again the importance of our two nations working together to address Iran’s destabilizing activity in the region and to ensure Tehran cannot acquire a nuclear weapon.
Although we differ on the means of achieving that — as I’ve said before, the UK continues to stand by the nuclear deal — it is clear that we both want to reach the same goal. It is important that Iran meets its obligations and we do everything to avoid escalation, which is in no one’s interest.
Recognizing our nations are safer and more prosperous when we work together on the biggest challenges of our time, I also set out the UK’s approach to tackling climate change and our continued support for the Paris Agreement.
And we also spoke about China, recognizing its economic significance and that we cannot ignore action that threatens our shared interests or values.
As we’ve deepened our cooperation on security, including our joint military operations and our unparalleled intelligence sharing, so our economies, too, are ever more tightly bound together.
Every morning, one million Americans get up and go to work for British companies in America, and one million Britons do the same for American companies here.
Our trading relationship is worth over £190 billion a year and we’re the largest investors in each other’s economies, with mutual investments valued at as much as $1 trillion.
Mr. President, you and I agreed the first time we met that we should aim for an ambitious free trade agreement when the UK leaves the EU. And from our positive discussions today, I know that we both remain committed to this.
I’m also sure that our economic relationship will only grow broader and deeper, building on the conversations we had and the ideas we heard from UK and U.S. businesses when we met them earlier today.
Tomorrow, we will sit down in Portsmouth with our fellow leaders to reaffirm the enduring importance of the Western alliance and the shared values that underpin it.
And as we look to the future, in the years and in the generations ahead, we will continue to work together to preserve the alliance that is the bedrock of our shared prosperity and security, just as it was on the beaches of Normandy, 75 years ago.
Mr. President.
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Well, thank you, Prime Minister May. Melania and I are honored to return to London as our nations commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day in World War Two. We want to thank Her Majesty the Queen, who I had a lovely dinner with last night — a fantastic person, fantastic woman — for so graciously inviting us to this State Visit. It was very, very special.
Our thanks as well to Prime Minister and Mr. May for the warm welcome they’ve given the First Lady and me, as we remember the heroes who laid down their lives to rescue civilization itself.
On June 6th, 1944, tens of thousands of young warriors left these shores by the sea and air to begin the invasion of Normandy and the liberation of Europe and the brutal Nazi occupation. It was a liberation like few people have seen before. Among them were more than 130,000 American and British brothers-in-arms. Through their valor and sacrifice, they secured our homelands and saved freedom for the world.
Tomorrow, Prime Minister May and I will attend a commemoration ceremony in Portsmouth — one of the key embarkation points for the invasion. More than one and a half million American service members were stationed right here in England in advance of the landings that summer. The bonds of friendship forged here and sealed in blood on those hallowed beaches will endure forever.
Our special relationship is grounded in common history, values, customs, culture, language, and laws. Our people believe in freedom and independence as a sacred birthright and cherished inheritance worth defending at any cost.
As the Prime Minister and I discussed in our meetings today and yesterday, the United States and the United Kingdom share many goals and priorities around the world.
I want to thank the people of the United Kingdom for their service and partnership in our campaign to defeat ISIS. As we announced a few months ago, ISIS’s territorial caliphate in Syria and Iraq has been completely obliterated — defeated.
The United Kingdom is also a key partner in NATO. The Prime Minister and I agree that our NATO Allies must increase their defense spending. We’ve both been working very hard toward that end. And we are very current, and some of them are not. We can’t allow that to happen. But I appreciate everything you’ve done in that regard.
We expect a growing number of nations to meet the minimum 2 percent of GDP requirement. To address today’s challenges, all members of the Alliance must fulfill their obligations. They have no choice. They must fulfill their obligation.
Among the pressing threats facing our nations is the development and spread of nuclear weapons. Perhaps that’s our greatest threat. The United States and the United Kingdom are determined to ensure that Iran never develops nuclear weapons, and stops supporting and engaging in terrorism. And I believe that will happen.
In protecting our nations, we also know that the border security is national security.
Today, the Prime Minister and I discussed our thriving economic relationship — both countries are doing very well — and participated in a roundtable with industry and business leaders — I can say, probably, the biggest business leaders anywhere in the world. Our nations have more than $1 trillion invested in each other’s economics.
The United Kingdom is America’s largest foreign investor and our largest European export market. That’s a lot of importance. As the UK makes preparations to exit the European Union, the United States is committed to a phenomenal trade deal between the U.S. and the UK. There is tremendous potential in that trade deal — I say, probably, two and even three times of what we’re doing right now. Tremendous potential.
Seventy-five years ago this Thursday, courageous Americans and British patriots set out from this island toward history’s most important battle.
They stormed forward out of ships and airplanes, risking everything to defend our people and to ensure that the United States and Britain would forever remain sovereign and forever remain free.
Following this press conference, Prime Minister May, Mr. May, the First Lady, my family, and I will visit the legendary Churchill War Rooms beneath the streets of London. I look forward to that.
In his famous speech on this day in June 1940, Prime Minister Churchill urged his countrymen to “defend our island, whatever the cost may be.”
As we mark this solemn anniversary of D-Day, we remember that the defense of our nations does not begin on the battlefield but within the heart of every patriot.
Today, let us renew our pledge, engraved at the American Cemetery in Normandy and inscribed by President Dwight Eisenhower in St. Paul’s Cathedral right here in London, that “the cause for which they died shall live.”
Prime Minister May, it’s been a true honor. I have greatly enjoyed working with you. You are a tremendous professional and a person that loves your country dearly. Thank you very much. Really an honor.
Thank you for the invitation to memorialize our fallen heroes and for your partnership in protecting and advancing the extraordinary alliance between the American and the British people. It’s the greatest alliance the world has ever known.
Thank you, Prime Minister. Thank you.
PRIME MINISTER MAY: Thank you.
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Thank you very much.
PRIME MINISTER MAY: Thank you very much, Donald. (Applause.)
Thank you. Now we’re going to take two questions from the UK media and two questions from the American media. I’ll start with Beth Rigby.
Q Thank you. Thank you, Prime Minister, President Trump. Beth Rigby from Sky News. For you, President Trump, as you hold talks with the current Prime Minister, the leader of Her Majesty’s Opposition has been addressing a protest rally against your visit in Trafalgar Square. He says he’s disappointed you attacked the London mayor, and he criticized your record on refugees. What do you have to say to him? And is this man someone you could do a trade deal with?
And to you, Prime Minister, do you think that Sadiq Khan is a “stone cold loser”? Thank you.
PRESIDENT TRUMP: You’re talking about the Mayor of London. Is that who you said? Yes? Well, I think he’s been a — a not very good mayor, from what I understand. He’s done a poor job. Crime is up. A lot of problems. And I don’t think he should be criticizing a representative of the United States that can do so much good for the United Kingdom.
We talked about it before: He should be positive, not negative. He’s a negative force, not a positive force. And if you look at what he said, he hurts the people of this great country.
And I think he should actually focus on his job. It’d be a lot better if he did that. He could straighten out some of the problems that he has and probably some of the problems that he’s caused.
Thank you.
PRIME MINISTER MAY: Can I —
Q (Inaudible.) (Off-mic.)
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Jeremy — yes. Yes, he wanted to meet with me and I told him no.
Q (Inaudible.) (Off-mic.)
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Yes.
Q (Inaudible.) (Off-mic.)
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Well, I don’t know Jeremy Corbyn. Never met him. Never spoke to him. He wanted to meet today or tomorrow, and I decided that I would not do that. I think that he is — from where I come from — somewhat of a negative force. I think that the people should look to do things correctly as opposed to criticize. I really don’t like critics as much as I like and respect people that get things done. So I’ve decided not to meet.
As far as the protests, I have to tell you, because I commented on it yesterday: We left the Prime Minister, the Queen, the Royal Family — there were thousands of people on the streets cheering. And even coming over today, there were thousands of people cheering. And then I heard that there were protests. I said, “Where are the protests? I don’t see any protests.”
I did see a small protest today when I came — very small. So a lot of it is fake news, I hate to say. But you saw the people waving the American flag, waving your flag; it was tremendous spirit and love. There was great love. It was an alliance. And I didn’t see the protestors until just a little while ago, and it was a very, very small group of people, put in for political reasons. So it was fake news. Thank you.
PRIME MINISTER MAY: And I would say to both the Mayor of London and to Jeremy Corbyn: The discussions that we have had today are about the future of this most important relationship between the U.S. and the UK.
As the President described it: the greatest alliance the world has seen. It is this deep, special relationship and partnership between the United States and the United Kingdom that ensures our safety and security, and the safety and security of others around the world, too. And it is this relationship that helps to ensure there are jobs that employ people here in the UK and in the United States that underpins our prosperity and our future. That is a relationship we should cherish. It is a relationship we should build on. It is a relationship we should be proud of.
Mr. President, would you like to —
PRESIDENT TRUMP: It’s very big, and this really is a very big and important alliance. And I think people should act positively toward it because it means so much for both countries. It means so much and it’s been so good.
Steve Holland, yes. Go ahead, Steve.
Q Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you. Is that on? There. What is your current view on Brexit, sir? Should Britain leave the European Union if there is no agreement by October 31st?
And for the Prime Minister: What would be the ramifications for the UK if there is not a deal?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Well, I don’t like to take positions in things that I’m not, you know, really — I understand the issue very well. I really predicted what was going to happen. Some of you remember that prediction. It was a strong prediction, made at a certain location, on a development we were opening the day before it happened. And I thought it was going to happen because of immigration more than anything else, but probably it happens for a lot of reasons.
But I would say, yeah, I would think that it will happen and it probably should happen. This is a great, great country and it wants its own identity. It wants to have its own borders. It wants to run its own affairs. This is a very, very special place. And I think it deserves a special place. And I thought maybe for that reason — and for others — but that reason, it was going to happen.
Yeah, I think it will happen, and I believe the Prime Minister has brought it to a very good point where something will take place in the not-too-distant future. I think she’s done a very good job.
I believe it would be good for the country. Yes.
PRIME MINISTER MAY: And from my point of view, I believe it is important for us to deliver Brexit. We gave that choice to the British people. Parliament overwhelmingly gave the choice to the British people. We should now deliver on that choice. I continue to believe that, actually, it’s in the best interests of the UK to leave the European Union in an orderly way with a deal. I think we have a good deal. Sadly, the Labour Party and other MPs have, so far, stopped us from delivering Brexit and that deal.
But we will — but, obviously, this is an issue that is going to continue here in the UK. I think the important thing is we deliver Brexit. And once we’re out of the European Union, we will be able to do what we’ve been talking about today and develop not just that free trade agreement, but a broader economic partnership into the future.
Q If I could just follow up on a related matter: Mr. President, are you prepared to impose limits on intelligence sharing with Britain if they do not put in place some restrictions on Huawei?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: No, because we’re going to have absolutely an agreement on Huawei and everything else. We have an incredible intelligence relationship and we will be able to work out any differences. I think we’re not going to have it. We did discuss it. I see absolutely no limitations. We’ve never had limitations. This is a truly great ally and partner, and we’ll have no problem with that. Okay?
PRIME MINISTER MAY: Francis.
Q Mr. President, Francis Elliott from the Times. Do you agree with your ambassador that the entire economy needs to be on the table in a future trade talk — trade deal, including the NHS?
And, Prime Minister, are you tempted to take the Prime Minister up — take the President up on his word and stick around for a bit until the trade deal is done?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: I think we’re going to have a great trade deal, yes. I think we’re going to have a great and very comprehensive trade deal —
Q With the NHS? With the NHS? Should the NHS be on the table, sir?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: I can’t hear him. What?
Q The Health Service. Should the Health Service?
PRIME MINISTER MAY: It’s a question about the National Health Service. He says, “Should the National Health Service be on the table?”
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Look, I think everything with a trade deal is on the table. When you — when you’re dealing in trade, everything is on the table — so, NHS or anything else. There are a lot — a lot more than that. But everything will be on the table, absolutely. Okay.
PRIME MINISTER MAY: But the point about making trade deals is, of course, that both sides negotiate and come to an agreement about what should or should not be in that trade deal for the future.
And as regards to your second question, Francis: Nice try, but no. (Laughter.) Look, I’m a woman of my word.
Mr. President, would you like to —
PRESIDENT TRUMP: John, please.
Q Mr. President, thank you. Mr. President, domestically, in recent days, Mexico has stepped up apprehensions and deportations of Central American migrants.
PRESIDENT TRUMP: That’s good.
Q This could possibly be in response to your threat of tariffs. Has Mexico —
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Not “possibly be.”
Q Has Mexico done enough to avoid tariffs, which will be imposed in some six days from now? And —
PRESIDENT TRUMP: No, we haven’t started yet.
Q But the threat is out there?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Yeah, the threat is out there, but we haven’t really started yet. No, this will take effect next week — the 5 percent.
Q And what do you think of Republicans who say that they make take action to block you imposing those tariffs?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Oh, I don’t think they will do that. I think if they do, it’s foolish. There’s nothing more important than borders. I’ve had tremendous Republican support. I have a 90 percent — 94 percent approval rating, as of this morning, in the Republican Party. That’s an all-time record. Can you believe that? Isn’t that something? I love records. But we have a 94 percent approval rating in the Republican Party.
I want to see security at our border. I’m going to see great trade. I’m going to see a lot of things happening. And that is happening.
And as you know, Mexico called. They want to meet. They’re going to meet on Wednesday. Secretary Pompeo is going to be at the meeting, along with a few others that are very good at this. And we are going to see if we can do something.
But I think it’s more likely that the tariffs go on. And we’ll probably be talking during the time that the tariffs are on and they’re going to be paid. And if they don’t step up and give us security for our nation — look, millions of people are flowing through Mexico. That’s unacceptable. Millions and millions of people are coming right through Mexico. It’s a 2,000-mile journey. And they’re coming up to our border.
And our Border Patrol, which is incredible — they’re apprehending them, but our laws are bad because the Democrats don’t want to pass laws that could be passed in 15 minutes, that could be passed quickly. In one day, it could change.
But even beyond the laws, Mexico shouldn’t allow millions of people to try and enter our country. And they could stop it very quickly, and I think they will. And if they won’t, we’re going to put tariffs on. And every month, those tariffs go from 5 percent, to 10 percent, to 15 percent, to 20, and then to 25 percent. And what will happen then is all of those companies that have left our country and gone to Mexico are going to be coming back to us. And that’s okay. That’s okay.
But I think Mexico will step up and do what they should have been done. And I don’t want to hear that Mexico is run by the cartels and the drug lords and the coyotes. I don’t want to hear about that. A lot of people are saying that. Mexico has something to prove. But I don’t want to hear that they’re run by the cartels. You understand. You report on it all the time. A lot of people do. That would be a terrible thing.
Mexico should step up and stop this onslaught, this invasion into our country, John.
Q Prime Minister May, you tried three times to get a deal on Brexit. At this point, do you believe that a deal on Brexit is possible, or is this a Gordian knot? President Trump says that you didn’t take his advice in terms of negotiation. Should you have? Would that have made a difference?
And, President Trump, if I could ask a follow-up: You had a conversation with Boris Johnson. Could we ask what you spoke about? And will you meet with Michael Gove today?
PRIME MINISTER MAY: Well, first of all, on the first issue, as I said in answer to an earlier question, I still believe — I personally believe that it is in the best interest of the UK to leave the European Union with a deal. I believe there is a good deal on the table. Obviously, it will be for whoever succeeds me as Prime Minister to take this issue forward.
What is paramount, I believe, is delivering on Brexit for the British people. And I seem to remember the President suggested that I sued the European Union, which we didn’t do. We went into negotiations and we came out with a good deal.
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Yeah. That’s not such a — I would have sued, but that’s okay. (Laughter.) I would have sued and settled, maybe. But you never know. She’s probably a better negotiator than I am (inaudible).
But you know what? She has got it, in a sense, John. That deal is teed up. I think that deal is really teed up. I think they have to do something. And perhaps you won’t be given the credit that you deserve if they do something, but I think you deserve a lot of credit. I really do. I think you deserve a lot of credit. Okay?
Yes, John?
Q And Boris Johnson and Michael Gove?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: So, I know Boris. I like him. I’ve liked him for a long time. He’s — I think he’d do a very good job. I know Jeremy. I think he’d do a very good job. I don’t know Michael. But would he do a good job — Jeremy? Tell me. (Laughter.)
Okay?
PRIME MINISTER MAY: Okay.
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Good. Thank you very much, everybody. Thank you. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
The U.K. is five hours ahead of New York EST. Today President Trump will travel to St. James Palace for a meeting between U.S. and U.K. business leaders (hosted by PM Theresa May). Then President Trump will meet back up with First Lady Melania at #10 Downing Street for a political meeting between the President and Prime Minister May; with a joint press conference scheduled for 1:45pm BST / 8:45am EST.
Later in the evening President Trump and First Lady Melania will host a dinner at the U.S. Ambassador residence (Winfield House) attended by HRH The Prince of Wales and HRH The Duchess of Cornwall.
9:10am BST / 4:10am EST THE PRESIDENT departs Winfield House (U.S. Ambassador Woody Johnson Residence) Landing Zone en route Buckingham Palace Landing Zone, London, United Kingdom
9:20am BST / 4:20am EST THE PRESIDENT arrives Buckingham Palace Landing Zone, London, United Kingdom
9:30am BST / 4:30am EST THE PRESIDENT departs Buckingham Palace Landing Zone en route St. James’s Palace, London, United Kingdom
9:40am BST / 4:40am EST THE PRESIDENT arrives at St. James’s Palace, London, United Kingdom
9:45am BST / 4:45am EST THE PRESIDENT participates in a business round table, London, United Kingdom
11:10am BST / 6:10am EST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY depart St. James’s Palace en route No. 10 Downing Street, London, United Kingdom
11:20am BST / 6:20am EST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY arrive No. 10 Downing Street, London, United Kingdom
11:25am BST / 6:25am EST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY participate in a greeting with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, London, United Kingdom
11:40am BST / 6:40am EST THE PRESIDENT participates in a expanded bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, London, United Kingdom
12:25pm BST / 7:25am EST THE PRESIDENT participates in a working lunch with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, London, United Kingdom
1:45pm BST / 8:45am EST THE PRESIDENT participates in a press conference with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, London, United Kingdom
2:25pm BST / 9:25am EST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY participate in a tour of the Churchill War Rooms, London, United Kingdom
3:20pm BST / 10:20am EST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY depart Churchill War Rooms en route Buckingham Palace Landing Zone
London, United Kingdom
3:30pm BST / 10:30am EST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY arrive Buckingham Palace Landing Zone, London, United Kingdom
3:40pm BST / 10:40am EST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY depart Buckingham Palace Landing Zone en route Winfield House Landing Zone, London, United Kingdom
3:50pm BST / 10:50am EST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY arrive Winfield House Landing Zone, London, United Kingdom
7:45pm BST / 2:45pm EST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY participate in a greeting with H.R.H. The Prince of Wales and H.R.H. The Duchess of Cornwall, London, United Kingdom
8:10pm BST / 3:10pm EST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY participate in a Pre-Reciprocal Dinner Reception with H.R.H. The Prince of Wales and H.R.H. The Duchess of Cornwall, London, United Kingdom
8:20pm BST / 3:20pm EST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY participate in a presentation of guest with H.R.H. The Prince of Wales and H.R.H. The Duchess of Cornwall, London, United Kingdom
8:35pm BST / 3:35pm EST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY participate in a Reciprocal Dinner with H.R.H. The Prince of Wales and H.R.H. The Duchess of Cornwall, London, United Kingdom
9:50pm BST / 4:50pm EST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY participate in the guest book signing with H.R.H. The Prince of Wales and H.R.H. The Duchess of Cornwall, London, United Kingdom
My family and I are delighted to welcome President @realDonaldTrump and @FLOTUS to London for the State Visit – a special few days ahead for the U.S.-UK relationship!
I have created this site to help people have fun in the kitchen. I write about enjoying life both in and out of my kitchen. Life is short! Make the most of it and enjoy!
This is a library of News Events not reported by the Main Stream Media documenting & connecting the dots on How the Obama Marxist Liberal agenda is destroying America
China is counting on the prior western investment being so significant that a corporation will be reluctant to withdraw. However, in this outlook Beijing seriously underestimates the free market because communist controlled China doesn’t understand the action of a inherently free market.
Centinel2012 