Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed the renewal of their nations' "special relationship" on Thursday, ending the US President's unprecedented second state visit with a show of unity after avoiding several possible pitfalls.
At a warm press conference when the two leaders glossed over differences on Gaza and wind power to present a united front, Trump reserved his toughest language for Russian President Vladimir Putin who he said had "let him down" in his efforts to end what he thought would be an easy war to resolve in Ukraine.
After two days of his state visit to Britain, which the US leader described as an "exquisite honour", Trump was in a relaxed mode at the final press conference when Starmer was focused on skirting over potential areas of disagreement.
The press conference ended without either being tripped up by potential embarrassing subjects, with both batting away questions over the late Jeffrey Epstein and his ties to Trump and to Starmer's former ambassador to the US.
"We've renewed the special relationship for a new era," Starmer told reporters.
"This partnership today is a signal of our determination to win this race together and to ensure it brings real benefits in jobs, in growth, in lower bills, to put more hard-earned cash in people's pockets at the end of each month."
Trump also described the close ties enjoyed by the two countries, praising Starmer for being a tough negotiator in securing the first tariff deal with the US.
"We're forever joined, and we are forever friends and we will always be friends," Trump said.
Trump touts $5,000 payout if Republicans win as Vance waits in wings
Search expands after Philippine ferry fire kills five and leaves dozens missing
Trump says Iran war to end after US midterm elections
At least 20 killed in cargo vessel fire at China shipyard, state media reports
US military says it struck vessel in Caribbean, killing 3
