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Donald Trump said the EU has “not treated the UK very well” as he again backed Boris Johnson to guide Britain through Brexit.
The US President said the European Union is “very difficult” to deal with and described Jean-Claude Juncker as a “tough man” and a “great negotiator”.
He called the President of the European Commission a “friend” but said the bloc will “drive a hard bargain”.
“Dealing with the European Union — I hate to say this to you, but dealing with the European Union is very difficult. They drive a hard bargain,” he said in a briefing on Tuesday.
“They’re represented by Jean-Claude, who is a friend of mine, but he’s a tough man.”
Commenting on the PM, after being asked about sealing a trade deal with the UK at the G7 this weekend, Mr Trump said: “So, I spoke with Boris Johnson. I think he’s going to be a great Prime Minister. I think he’s going to do a fantastic job. I’ve known him.
“A lot of people know that we have a very good relationship. I think he’ll be far superior. I think he’ll do something that will be a very — I think he’s going to be very important for the UK. I think he’s going to be very important.
“But I will say this: dealing with the UK, they have not treated the UK very well.
“That’s a very tough bargain they’re driving, the European Union. That’s a very tough bargain. And I think that UK has the right man in charge right now — the right person in charge, in the form of Boris.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson – In pictures
1/17
Boris Johnson waves as he enters No10
Reuters
2/17
Queen Elizabeth II welcomes newly elected leader of the Conservative party Boris Johnson
PA
3/17
New Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s girlfriend Carrie Symonds outside No10
Getty Images
4/17
Britain’s New Prime Minister Boris Johnson is welcomed into 10 Downing Street by staff
AP
5/17
Boris Johnson delivered his first speech as PM from outside No10 today
AFP/Getty Images
6/17
Boris Johnson’s girlfriend Carrie Symonds at No10 today as he assumes the post of Prime Minister
Getty Images
7/17
Mr Johnson walks along Downing Street to address the nation
REUTERS
8/17
Boris Johnson arrives at Buckingham Palace to meet the Queen
PA
9/17
Mr Johnson was overwhelmingly backed to lead the Conservative Party
PA
10/17
Britain’s New Prime Minister Boris Johnson is welcomed into 10 Downing Street by staff
AP
11/17
Boris vowed to serve the people as he took office
AP
12/17
Britain’s New Prime Minister Boris Johnson enters No10
AP
13/17
He is due to announce who will form his government later today
AP
14/17
Boris Johnson waves to the crowd after being appointed Prime Minister
Jeremy Selwyn
15/17
Queen Elizabeth II welcomes newly elected leader of the Conservative party Boris Johnson during an audience in Buckingham Palace
PA
16/17
Boris Johnson waves as he leaves Buckingham Palace
PA
17/17
Boris Johnson is driven into Buckingham Palace
Reuters
1/17
Boris Johnson waves as he enters No10
Reuters
2/17
Queen Elizabeth II welcomes newly elected leader of the Conservative party Boris Johnson
PA
3/17
New Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s girlfriend Carrie Symonds outside No10
Getty Images
4/17
Britain’s New Prime Minister Boris Johnson is welcomed into 10 Downing Street by staff
AP
5/17
Boris Johnson delivered his first speech as PM from outside No10 today
AFP/Getty Images
6/17
Boris Johnson’s girlfriend Carrie Symonds at No10 today as he assumes the post of Prime Minister
Getty Images
7/17
Mr Johnson walks along Downing Street to address the nation
REUTERS
8/17
Boris Johnson arrives at Buckingham Palace to meet the Queen
PA
9/17
Mr Johnson was overwhelmingly backed to lead the Conservative Party
PA
10/17
Britain’s New Prime Minister Boris Johnson is welcomed into 10 Downing Street by staff
AP
11/17
Boris vowed to serve the people as he took office
AP
12/17
Britain’s New Prime Minister Boris Johnson enters No10
AP
13/17
He is due to announce who will form his government later today
AP
14/17
Boris Johnson waves to the crowd after being appointed Prime Minister
Jeremy Selwyn
15/17
Queen Elizabeth II welcomes newly elected leader of the Conservative party Boris Johnson during an audience in Buckingham Palace
PA
16/17
Boris Johnson waves as he leaves Buckingham Palace
PA
17/17
Boris Johnson is driven into Buckingham Palace
Reuters
It is not the first time Mr Trump has praised Mr Johnson, having done so before and after he became the Conservative Party leader.
He previously said the Prime Minister gets called “Britain Trump”.
His latest comments came as Mr Johnson continued to wrangle with the EU over the issue of the backstop, which he steadfastly insists must be removed from the withdrawal agreement in order to secure a deal between Britain and the EU27.
However, EU figureheads have hit out at this proposal.
Mr Johnson is visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday, ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday, in his first international trips as PM.
He is expected to discuss Brexit and his desire for the abolition of the backstop with both leaders.
