Trump says it's 'fake news' that he criticised Theresa May's Brexit plans

Sky News

Donald Trump and Theresa May

• US president accuses the media of "fake news" following an interview in which he criticised prime minister Theresa May's Brexit plans.
• Donald Trump told the Sun newspaper that May had not listened to his advice on Brexit and suggested that Boris Johnson, who resigned over her plans, would make a "great" prime minister.
• Trump claims the report was "fake news" but doesn't specifically deny any of the published comments.
• The press conference comes as thousands of people protest in London against his visit.

LONDON - Donald Trump has accused the media of "fake news" after the Sun Newspaper published an on-the-record interview in which the president criticised the prime minister's Brexit plans.

"I didn't criticise the PM," Trump said at a press conference at the prime minister's official retreat in Chequers.

"Unfortunately a story was done which was generally fine but didn't put in what I said about the PM. I said tremendous things"

He added: "We record when we deal with reporters... It's called fake news"

Trump's comments come after an explosive interview the president conducted with the Sun newspaper in which he publicly criticised the prime minister's Brexit strategy and suggested it would kill any chance of a US-UK trade deal.

Trump said the prime minister had ignored his advice on Brexit, telling the paper that "I would have done it much differently. I actually told Theresa May how to do it but she didn't agree, she didn't listen to me."

He also suggested that Boris Johnson, who resigned this week over May's plans, would do a better job.

The president said the former Foreign Secretary would make a "great prime minister", adding "I think he's got what it takes."

The interview was published as Trump dined with the prime minister at a black tie dinner at Blenheim Palace. As images of the front page story were released on Twitter, fury spread among UK diplomats.

Trump today denied criticising May's plans, saying that "perhaps the UK has left the EU, but whatever you do is ok with me."

Trump today doubled down on his comments about Johnson, but added that "this incredible woman right here is doing a fantastic job".

He also rowed back on comments suggesting May's plans would prevent a trade deal with the US.

"If they go in a slightly different route, I hope you're going to be able to trade with the US," he said.

"I read reports that won't be possible but after speaking to May's people it will absolutely be possible. The trade is a little bit tricky."

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