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Trump: Good relationship with UK PM unlikely

May 16, 2016

The likely US presidential candidate called out David Cameron and London Mayor Sadiq Khan on British television. The prime minister had called him "stupid and wrong" about Islam.

https://p.dw.com/p/1IoOb
USA Vorwahlen Republikaner Donald Trump
Image: Reuters/L. Jackson

The presumptive Republican nominee for president, Donald Trump, fired back at the UK's prime minister on Monday morning, after David Cameron had called the real estate mogul "divisive, stupid and wrong." Cameron's comments were made in reference to an earlier statement by Trump that the US should ban all Muslim immigrants, and the prime minister suggested that a visit from the candidate would unite all of the Britain against him.

"It looks like we're not going to have a very good relationship, who knows," Trump said in an interview with Piers Morgan for British broadcaster ITV. "I hope to have a good relationship with him, but it sounds like he's not willing to address the problem either," Trump added.

Infografik US-Vorwahlen Gewinner Stand 11.05.2016 Englisch

Cameron doubled down on his sentiments after the piece aired.

"The prime minister has made his views on Donald Trump's comments very clear. He disagrees with them," said a Downing Street spokesman.

London mayor joins in Trump-bashing

Trump also addressed comments made by London mayor Sadiq Khan, who has criticized the controversial candidate as ignorant about Islam. Initially, Trump had said he would consider a visit from Khan "an exception" to the Muslim ban.

"He doesn't know me, never met me, doesn't know what I am all about. I think they are very rude statements. Frankly, tell him I will remember those statements. They are very nasty statements," Trump told Piers Morgan. "It is ignorant for him to say that."

Morgan then asked Trump about his thoughts on the upcoming referendum over British membership to the European Union.

"I've dealt with the European Union. It's very, very bureaucratic; it's very, very difficult. In terms of Britain, I would say, 'What do you need it for?' But again, let people make up their own mind," Trump replied.

Polling ahead of the June 23 vote has the "Stay" and "Leave" campaigns just about neck and neck.

Q&A: Tensions ahead of New York primary

es/jil (AFP, Reuters)