Little Britain? The UK’s power wanes in Washington thanks to Brexit battles and Donald Trump’s harsh words
- Britain’s influence in Washington is at a low point, suffering from the one-two punch of Brexit and the election of Trump, observers say
This story is published in a content partnership with POLITICO. It was originally reported by Nahal Toosi on politico.com on May 30, 2019.
When he visited Britain last year, US President Donald Trump nodded to the venerable “special relationship” between the United States and the United Kingdom. “Our bond is like no other,” he proclaimed.
But as he prepares for his first state visit to the long-time ally next week, close observers say Britain’s influence in Washington is at a low point, suffering from a long-term decline accelerated by the one-two punch of Brexit and the election of Trump, whose actions have done more to harm the relationship than his words may suggest.
On the military front, Britain is arguably less important to the United States than in years past, as its armed forces have shrunk and France has stepped up to catch wandering American eyes.
On economics, the Trump administration is already pushing a hardline stance ahead of potential negotiations for a trade deal that would take effect once Britain leaves the European Union.
Even the two countries’ famously close intelligence relationship is hitting obstacles as Trump aides threaten to withhold secrets if Britain does not bar the Chinese firm Huawei from building its cellular networks.