Asked how he would describe the special relationship, the US president responded: “With who?”
Upon clarification by the reporter, external that he was referring to the UK, Trump said: “It’s the relationship where when we asked them for help, they were not there. When we needed them, they were not there.
“When we didn’t need them, they were not there. And they still aren’t there.”
Pressed further on the relationship, Trump said it had “been better, but it’s sad”.
“And we gave them a good trade deal. Better than I had to. Which can always be changed.”
In May last year, the UK became the first country to agree a tariff deal with President Trump after his return to office, cutting some import taxes on cars, aluminium and steel.
The relationship between the two countries’ leaders has in recent weeks shown signs of strain over the Middle East. Trump has frequently criticised Sir Keir over his approach to the war, including on one occasion calling him “no Winston Churchill”.
