JAKARTA - There is a high possibility that the United States and Britain will reach a "big deal" in trade because of President Donald Trump's love for his country and royal family.
This was conveyed by US Vice President JD Vance in an interview with UnHerd on Tuesday, April 15.
Britain avoided the harshest treatment in announcing Trump's initial tariffs, as both sides enjoyed trade relations that were mostly balanced. However, British imports in the US are now charged 10% while the steel sector and its cars are subject to a rate of 25%.
Officials from both countries have been involved in weeks of talks that were initially focused on increasing cooperation in the fields of artificial intelligence and technology, but could also be expanded to include food and other items.
Vance told UnHerd the US government was working very hard with Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government.
"The president really loves Great Britain," he said.
"He loves the Queen. He admires and loves the King. This is a very important relationship and he is an entrepreneur and has a number of important business relationships in (England)," added Vance.
Citing the closeness of US culture to Britain, Vance said "I think there is a good chance that, yes, we will reach a great deal that is in the best interests of the two countries".
Vance, who has taken an aggressive approach towards Europe since he became vice president, reiterated his stance he wants Europe as a whole to increase its security budget, and once again criticize Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Vance responded to Zelenskyy's latest statement accusing himself of justifying Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Vance insists he has condemned Russia since 2022 but has since tried to understand the strategic goals of both sides to find a solution.
"That doesn't mean you morally support Russia's goal, or that you support a full-scale invasion, but you should try to understand what their strategic red line is, in the same way you should try to understand what Ukraine is trying to get from the conflict," Vance said.
"I think it doesn't make sense for Zelenskyy to tell the (American) government, which is currently keeping its entire government and war efforts united, that we are somehow on the Russian side," Vance continued.
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