President Trump said he was impressed that the PM was 'fighting' for her Brexit deal - but said of her rival: 'I like Boris Johnson a lot'
DONALD Trump today hailed Boris Johnson as a "friend" - but praised Theresa May for "fighting" for her Brexit deal amid chaos over Britain's departure from the EU.
The US president said Mrs May showed strength and resilience to continue pressing for her EU withdrawal agreement as he gushed about their friendship.
That agreement has been repeatedly thrown out by parliament - with MPs this week voting to take control of how the chaotic Brexit process moves forward.
Speaking from the White House on Thursday, Mr Trump said of the PM: "She's a very nice lady. She's a friend of mine.
"I hope she does well.
"I hope the Brexit movement and everything happening there goes very well.
"But, Theresa May is a very good woman.
"And, I'll tell you what, she's strong, she's tough, and she's in there fighting."
On Wednesday, Mrs May promised Tory MPs she would resign if her deal was approved by parliament in time for the postponed EU departure date on 22 May.
But 10 DUP MPs - who her Government relies on to stay in power - have refused to back the agreement as it stands.
They claim it risks the integrity of the Union between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Mr Trump also heaped praise on Mrs May's rival for Number 10 Boris Johnson.
He said of staunch Brexiteer Bojo, who has become on of the PM's fiercest critics: "I like Boris Johnson a lot. He's a friend of mine."
The US president previously has made comments about May and Brexit that were seen in Britain as insults that undercut the prime minister.
Earlier this month, he said he was "surprised at how badly" the Brexit negotiations were handled and that May didn't listen to advice he offered her.
Mrs May said Trump had advised her to "sue the EU" and "not go into negotiations".
In November, the president said the withdrawal agreement "sounds like a great deal for the EU" - but it could hinder trade between the UK and the US.
And speaking exclusively to The Sun during his state visit in July, Mr Trump warned the PM's agreement would "kill" hopes of any future trade deal between the two nations.
He said: "I told Theresa May how to do it but she didn't agree, she didn't listen to me... Deals that take too long are never good ones."
Asked at the time about his relationship with Boris Johnson, Trump hailed him as a future Prime Minister.
THERESA May was the first world leader invited to the White House following Donald Trump's inauguration in January 2017.
The president hailed the "very special bond" between the US and UK - while Mrs May described Trump's election victory three months earlier as "stunning".
Symbolising this "special bond" was the moment that Trump broke protocol and held Theresa May's hand as they walked through the White House.
Later Trump told reporters that he and Mrs May were going to have "a fantastic relationship" and vowed to help make Brexit a "fantastic thing for the United Kingdom".
But the so-called "special relationship" has been tested since.
Earlier this month, Trump said he was "surprised at how badly" the Brexit negotiations were handled.
He claimed that Mrs May didn't listen to the advice he offered her.
Mrs May said Trump had advised her to "sue the EU" and "not go into negotiations".
November, the president said the withdrawal agreement "sounds like a great deal for the EU" - but it could hinder trade between the UK and the US.
And speaking exclusively to The Sun during his state visit in July, Mr Trump warned the PM's agreement would "kill" hopes of any future trade deal between the two nations.
He said: "I told Theresa May how to do it but she didn't agree, she didn't listen to me... Deals that take too long are never good ones."
The president gushed: "I have a lot of respect for Boris.
"He obviously likes me, and says very good things about me.
“I was very saddened to see he was leaving government and I hope he goes back in at some point.
"I think he is a great representative for your country."
He added: "I think he would be a great Prime Minister. I think he’s got what it takes.”
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