Transcript - Press Conference: Donald Trump and Theresa May - January 27, 2017 | Factba.se

Donald Trump

00:00:00 - 00:00:34 (34 sec)

I am honored to have Prime Minister Theresa May here for our first official visit from a foreign leader. This is our first visit, so great honor. The special relationship between our two countries has been one of the great forces in history for justice and for peace, and by the way, my mother was born in Scotland, Stornoway, which is serious Scotland.

Donald Trump

00:00:34 - 00:01:08 (34 sec)

Today, the United States renews our deep bond with Britain, military, financial, cultural and political. We have one of the great bonds. We pledge our lasting support to this most special relationship. Together, America and the United Kingdom are a beacon for prosperity and the rule of law. That is why the United States respects the sovereignty of the British people and their right of self-determination.

Donald Trump

00:01:08 - 00:01:29 (21 sec)

A free and independent Britain is a blessing to the world and our relationship has never been stronger. Both America and Britain understand that governments must be responsive to everyday working people, that governments must represent their own citizens.

Donald Trump

00:01:29 - 00:01:57 (28 sec)

Madam Prime Minister, we look forward to working closely with you as we strengthen our mutual ties in commerce, business and foreign affairs. Great days lie ahead for our two peoples and our two countries. On behalf of our nation, I thank you for joining us here today. It's a really great honor. Thank you very much.

Theresa May

00:01:57 - 00:02:14 (17 sec)

Thank you very much, Mr. President. And can I start by saying that I'm so pleased that I've been able to be here today, and thank you for inviting me so soon after your inauguration. And I'm delighted to be able to congratulate you on what was a stunning election victory.

Theresa May

00:02:14 - 00:02:44 (30 sec)

And as you say, the invitation is an indication of the strength and importance of the special relationship that exists between our two countries, a relationship based on the bonds of history, of family, kinship and common interests. And in a further sign of the importance of that relationship, I have today been able to convey her majesty, the queen's hope that Trump President and the first lady would pay a state visit to the United Kingdom later this year, and I am delighted that the president has accepted that invitation.

Theresa May

00:02:44 - 00:03:10 (26 sec)

Now today, we're discussing a number of topics and there's much on which we agree. The president has mentioned foreign policy. We are discussing how we can work even more closely together in order to take on and defeat Daesh and the ideology of Islamist extremism wherever it's found. Our two nations are already leading efforts to face up to this challenge, and we're making progress with Daesh losing territory and fighters, but we need to redouble our efforts.

Theresa May

00:03:10 - 00:03:27 (17 sec)

And today, we're discussing how we can do this by deepening intelligence and security cooperation and critically by stepping up our efforts to counter Daesh in cyberspace because we know we will not eradicate this threat until we defeat the ideology that lies behind it.

Theresa May

00:03:27 - 00:03:44 (17 sec)

Our talks will be continuing later. I'm sure we'll discuss other topics, Syria and Russia. On defense and security cooperation, we are united in our recognition of NATO as the bulwark of our collective defense, and today we've reaffirmed our unshakable commitment to this alliance.

Theresa May

00:03:44 - 00:04:00 (16 sec)

Mr. President, I think you said, you confirmed that you're 100 percent behind NATO. But we're also discussing the importance of NATO continuing to ensure it is as equipped to fight terrorism and cyber warfare as it is to fight more conventional forms of war.

Theresa May

00:04:00 - 00:04:18 (18 sec)

And I've agreed to continue my efforts to encourage my fellow European leaders to deliver on their commitments to spend two percent of their GDP on defense so that the burden is more fairly shared. It's only by investing properly in our defense that we can ensure we're properly equipped to face our shared challenges together.

Theresa May

00:04:18 - 00:04:37 (19 sec)

And finally, the president and I have mentioned future economic cooperation and trade. Trade between our two countries is already worth over 150 billion pounds a year. The U.S. is the single biggest source of inward investment to the U.K., and together, we have around $1 trillion invested in each other's economies.

Theresa May

00:04:37 - 00:04:59 (22 sec)

And the U.K.-U.S. defense relationship is the broadest, deepest and most advanced of any two countries, sharing military hardware and expertise. And I think the president and I are ambitious to build on this relationship in order to grow our respective economies, provide the high skilled, high paid jobs of the future for working people across America and across the U.K.

Theresa May

00:04:59 - 00:05:17 (18 sec)

And so, we are discussing how we can establish a trade negotiation agreement, take forward immediate high-level talks, lay the groundwork for U.K.-U.S. trade agreement and identify the practical steps we can take now in order to enable companies in both countries to trade and do business with one another more easily.

Theresa May

00:05:17 - 00:05:32 (15 sec)

And I'm convinced that a trade deal between the U.S. and the U.K. is in the national interest of both countries and will cement the crucial relationship that exists between us, particularly as the U.K. leaves the European Union and reaches out to the world.

Theresa May

00:05:32 - 00:05:45 (13 sec)

Today's talks I think are a significant moment for President Trump and I to build our relationship and I look forward to continuing to work with you as we delivery on the promises of freedom and prosperity for all the people of our respective countries.

Theresa May

00:05:45 - 00:05:47 (2 sec)

Donald Trump

00:05:47 - 00:05:50 (3 sec)

Thank you very much. That's very nicely stated.

Donald Trump

00:05:50 - 00:05:56 (6 sec)

Steve Holland. Where's Steve? Steve -- yes.

Steve Holland

00:05:56 - 00:06:09 (13 sec)

Thank you. You're going to be speaking tomorrow with the Russian president. What message would you like to convey to him? How close are you to lifting some of the sanctions imposed on Russia over its Ukraine incursion? What would you expect in return?

Steve Holland

00:06:09 - 00:06:16 (7 sec)

And Prime Minister May, do you foresee any changes in British attitudes towards sanctions on Russia?

Donald Trump

00:06:16 - 00:06:33 (17 sec)

Well, I hear a call was set up, Steve, and we'll see what happens. As far as the sanctions, very early to be talking about that. But we look to have a great relationship with all countries, ideally. That won't necessarily happen, unfortunately probably won't happen with many countries.

Donald Trump

00:06:33 - 00:06:57 (24 sec)

But if we can have, as we do with Prime Minister May and the relationship that we've all developed and even in the short relationship that we just developed just by being with each other and have lunch and -- we've really had some very interesting talks and very productive talks. But if we can have a great relationship with Russia and with China and with all countries, I'm all for that. That would be a tremendous asset.

Donald Trump

00:06:57 - 00:07:05 (8 sec)

No guarantees, but if we can, that would be a positive, not a negative. OK?

Theresa May

00:07:05 - 00:07:26 (21 sec)

We have, as far as the U.K. is concerned on sanctions for Russia in relation to their activities in the Ukraine, we have been very clear that we want to see the Minsk Agreement fully implemented. We believe the sanctions should continue until we see that Minsk Agreement fully implemented and we've been continuing to argue that inside the European Union.

Theresa May

00:07:26 - 00:07:31 (5 sec)

Laura Kuenssberg

00:07:31 - 00:07:34 (3 sec)

Thank you very much, Prime Minister. Laura Kuenssberg BBC News.

Laura Kuenssberg

00:07:34 - 00:07:48 (14 sec)

Prime Minister, you've talked about where you agree, but you have also said you would be frank where you disagreed with the president. Can you tell us where in our talks you did disagree? And do you think that the president listened to what you had to say?

Laura Kuenssberg

00:07:48 - 00:07:50 (2 sec)

And Mr. President, you...

Donald Trump

00:07:50 - 00:07:52 (2 sec)

[Off Mike] [Laughter]

Laura Kuenssberg

00:07:52 - 00:07:55 (3 sec)

We'll see what she says. [Laughter]

Laura Kuenssberg

00:07:55 - 00:08:19 (24 sec)

Mr. President, you've said before that torture works. You've praised Russia. You've said you want to ban some Muslims for -- from coming to America. You've suggested there should be punishment for abortion. For many people in Britain, those sound like alarming beliefs. What do you say to our viewers at home who are worried about some of your views and worried about you becoming the leader of the free world?

Donald Trump

00:08:19 - 00:08:25 (6 sec)

This was your choice of a question?

Donald Trump

00:08:25 - 00:08:28 (3 sec)

There goes that relationship.

Theresa May

00:08:28 - 00:08:48 (20 sec)

On the issue that you raised with me, Laura, can I confirm that the president -- I've been listening to the president and the president has been listening to me. That's the point of having a conversation and a dialogue. And we have been discussing a number of topics. We'll carry on after this press conference meeting and discussing a number of other topics.

Theresa May

00:08:48 - 00:09:01 (13 sec)

And there will be times when we disagree and issues on which we disagree. The point of the special relationship is that we are able to have that open and frank discussion, so that we are able to -- to make that clear when it happens.

Theresa May

00:09:01 - 00:09:10 (9 sec)

But I'm clear also that there are many issues on which the United Kingdom and the United States stand alongside one another, many issues on which we agree.

Theresa May

00:09:10 - 00:09:25 (15 sec)

And I think, as I said yesterday in my speech, that we are at a moment now when we can build an even stronger special relationship, which will be in the interest not just of the U.K. and the United States, but actually in the interest of the wider world as well.

Donald Trump

00:09:25 - 00:10:00 (35 sec)

We have a great general who has just been appointed secretary of defense, General James Mattis. And he has stated publicly that he does not necessarily believe in torture or waterboarding or however you want to define it — enhanced interrogation I guess would be a word that a lot of — words that a lot of people would like to use. I don't necessarily agree, but I would tell you that he will override because I'm giving him that power.

Donald Trump

00:10:00 - 00:10:14 (14 sec)

He's an expert. He's highly respected. He's the general's general. Got through the Senate very, very quickly, which in this country is not easy, I will tell you. And so I'm going to rely on him.

Donald Trump

00:10:14 - 00:10:28 (14 sec)

I happen to feel that it does work. I've been open about that for a long period of time. But I am going with our leaders. And we're going to — we're going to win with or without, but I do disagree.

Donald Trump

00:10:28 - 00:10:44 (16 sec)

As far as, again, Putin and Russia, I don't say good, bad or indifferent. I don't know the gentleman. I hope we have a fantastic relationship. That's possible and it's also possible that we won't. We will see what happens.

Donald Trump

00:10:44 - 00:11:04 (20 sec)

I will be representing the American people very, very strongly, very forcefully. And if we have a great relationship with Russia and other countries, and if we go after ISIS together, which has to be stopped -- that's an evil that has to be stopped -- I will consider that a good thing, not a bad thing.

Donald Trump

00:11:04 - 00:11:15 (11 sec)

How the relationship works out, I won't be able to tell you that later [sic]. I've had many times where I thought I'd get along with people and I don't like them at all. [Laughter]

Donald Trump

00:11:15 - 00:11:23 (8 sec)

And I've had some where I didn't think I was going to have much of a relationship and it turned out to be a great relationship.

Donald Trump

00:11:23 - 00:11:34 (11 sec)

So, Theresa, we never know about those things, do we? But I will tell you one thing: I'll be representing the American people very strongly. Thank you.

Donald Trump

00:11:34 - 00:11:39 (5 sec)

How about John Roberts, Fox?

John Roberts

00:11:39 - 00:11:41 (2 sec)

Mr. President, thank you so much.

John Roberts

00:11:41 - 00:11:42 (1 sec)

Madam Prime Minister.

John Roberts

00:11:42 - 00:12:01 (19 sec)

It's my understanding, Mr. President, that you had an hour-long phone call this morning with President Enrique Pena Nieto of Mexico. Could we get an update on where the relationship is? Further to that, what do you say to your critics who claim that you have already soured a relationship with a very important U.S. ally?

John Roberts

00:12:01 - 00:12:08 (7 sec)

And, Madam Prime Minister, if I may ask you as well, are you concerned about the state of relations between the United States and Mexico?

Donald Trump

00:12:08 - 00:12:17 (9 sec)

Well, I think the prime minister, first of all, has other things that she's much more worried about than Mexico and the United States relationship.

Donald Trump

00:12:17 - 00:12:31 (14 sec)

But I will say that we had a very good call. I have been very strong on Mexico. I have great respect for Mexico. I love the Mexican people. I work with the Mexican people all the time. Great relationships.

Donald Trump

00:12:31 - 00:12:53 (22 sec)

But, as you know, Mexico with the United States has outnegotiated us and beat us to a pulp through our past leaders. They've made us look foolish. We have a trade deficit of $60 billion with Mexico. On top of that, the border is soft and weak, drugs are pouring in, and I'm not going to let that happen.

Donald Trump

00:12:53 - 00:13:01 (8 sec)

And General Kelly is going to do a fantastic job at Homeland Security. As you know, we swore him in yesterday.

Donald Trump

00:13:01 - 00:13:28 (27 sec)

We have a really -- I think a very good relationship, the president and I. And we had a talk that lasted for about an hour this morning. And we are going to be working on a fair relationship and a new relationship. But the United States cannot continue to lose vast amounts of business, vast amounts of companies, and millions and millions of people losing their jobs.

Donald Trump

00:13:28 - 00:13:35 (7 sec)

That won't happen with me. We're no longer going to be the country that doesn't know what it's doing.

Donald Trump

00:13:35 - 00:13:47 (12 sec)

And so, we are going to renegotiate our trade deals and we are going to renegotiate other aspects of our relationship with Mexico, and in the end, I think it'll be good for both countries.

Donald Trump

00:13:47 - 00:14:05 (18 sec)

But it was a very, very friendly call. I think you'll hear that from the president and I think you'll hear that from the people of Mexico that really represent him and represent him very well. And I look forward to — over the coming months, we'll be negotiating and we'll see what happens.

Donald Trump

00:14:05 - 00:14:21 (16 sec)

But I'm representing the people of the United States and I'm going to represent them as somebody should represent them, not how they've been represented in the past where we lose to every single country.

Theresa May

00:14:21 - 00:14:28 (7 sec)

As the President himself has said, the relationship of the United States with Mexico is a matter for the United States and Mexico.

Theresa May

00:14:28 - 00:14:32 (4 sec)

Tom Newton Dunn

00:14:32 - 00:14:47 (15 sec)

Mr. President, you said you'd help us with a Brexit trade deal. You've said -- you said you'd help us with Brexit trade deal, you said you'd stand by us with NATO, but how can the British prime minister believe you? Because you have been known in the past to change your position on things.

Tom Newton Dunn

00:14:47 - 00:14:59 (12 sec)

And also [inaudible] it's a question to both of you. People are fascinated to know how you're going to get along with each other, you're so different; the hard-working daughter [inaudible], the brash TV extrovert. Have you found anything in common personally yet?

Donald Trump

00:14:59 - 00:15:02 (3 sec)

Actually I'm not as brash as you might think. [Laughter]

Donald Trump

00:15:02 - 00:15:18 (16 sec)

And I can tell you that I think we're going to get along very well. You know, it's interesting because I am a people person. I think you are also, Theresa. And I can often tell how I get along with somebody very early, and I believe we're going to have a fantastic relationship.

Donald Trump

00:15:18 - 00:15:37 (19 sec)

Brexit -- and I really don't change my position very much. If you go back and you look, my position on trade has been solid for many, many years, since I was a very young person talking about how we were getting ripped off by the rest of the world. Now I never knew I'd be in the position where we can actually do something about it.

Donald Trump

00:15:37 - 00:16:07 (30 sec)

But we will be talking to your folks about Brexit. Brexit was an example of what was to come. And I happened to be in Scotland at Turnberry cutting a ribbon when Brexit happened and we had a vast amount of press there. And I said Brexit -- this was the day before, you probably remember, I said Brexit is going to happen and I was scorned in the press for making that prediction. I was scorned.

Donald Trump

00:16:07 - 00:16:25 (18 sec)

And I said I believe it's going to happen because people want to know who is coming into their country and they want to control their own trade and various other things, and low and behold, the following day it happened and the odds weren't looking good for me when I made that statement because, as you know, everybody thought it was not going to happen.

Donald Trump

00:16:25 - 00:16:42 (17 sec)

I think Brexit's going to be a wonderful thing for your country. I think when it irons out, you're gonna have your own identity and you're going to have the people that you want in your country and you're going to be able to make free trade deals without having somebody watching you and what you're doing.

Donald Trump

00:16:42 - 00:17:07 (25 sec)

And I had a very bad experience, I have — I had something when I was in my other world, I have something in another country and getting the approvals from Europe was very, very tough. Getting the approvals from the country was fast, easy and efficient. Getting the approvals from the group — I call them the consortium — was very, very tough.

Donald Trump

00:17:07 - 00:17:19 (12 sec)

But I thought Brexit -- I think -- and I think it will go down that it will end up being a fantastic thing for the United Kingdom. I think in the end, it will be a tremendous asset, not a tremendous liability. OK?

Theresa May

00:17:19 - 00:17:28 (9 sec)

And just on the question you asked me here, Tom. I mean, I think as -- as the president himself has said, I think we have already struck up a good -- good relationship.

Theresa May

00:17:28 - 00:17:50 (22 sec)

But you asked what we had in common. I think if you look at the approach that we're both taking, I mean, one of the things that we have in common is that we want to put the interests of ordinary working people right up there, center stage. Those people who -- you know, they're working all the hours. They're doing their best for their families and sometimes they just feel the odds are stacked against them.

Theresa May

00:17:50 - 00:18:04 (14 sec)

And it's that interest in ensuring that what we do -- that the economies -- our economies and our governments actually work for ordinary working people, work for everyone in our countries. I think we both share that.

Donald Trump

00:18:04 - 00:18:05 (1 sec)

Thank you very much.

Theresa May

00:18:05 - 00:18:05 (0 sec)

Donald Trump

00:18:05 - 00:18:17 (12 sec)

Thank you very much, everybody.