Donald Trump’s return to power sparks debate on UK’s future relations with the US
As Donald Trump prepares for his second term, experts discuss the potential opportunities and challenges his leadership presents for the United Kingdom
The return of Donald Trump to the White House has sparked debate on its implications for the United Kingdom’s trade, defence, and foreign policies. Experts have highlighted the opportunities and challenges ahead, with the UK navigating a “tightrope” in balancing areas of agreement and divergence with the United States.
A new chapter for UK-US relations
Donald Trump’s second term as US President has ignited widespread discussion on how the United Kingdom will navigate its relationship with the United States. From trade deals to geopolitical alliances, Trump’s pragmatic yet unpredictable leadership style is expected to influence key areas of cooperation and divergence.
Solava Ibrahim, an Associate Professor of Politics, Development, and International Relations at Anglia Ruskin University, described the relationship as a “tightrope” for the UK. “Trump is known for being transactional and assertive. His policies, such as imposing tariffs on imports from the EU and China, could provide the UK with opportunities to strengthen trade ties with the US,” they said.
However, the UK will also face challenges. “Trump’s approach to climate change and his scepticism towards international organisations are areas where the two nations will likely diverge,” Ibrahim noted.
Trade opportunities in a shifting landscape
Trade is one of the most significant areas of potential collaboration between the UK and the US under Trump’s leadership. His focus on protecting American interests and imposing tariffs on EU and Chinese goods may open doors for the UK to negotiate a favourable bilateral trade deal.
“There is a chance for the UK to capitalise on Trump’s policies by positioning itself as a key trade partner,” Ibrahim said. “A trade deal could lead to lower consumer prices in the UK and increased opportunities for British businesses to expand into US markets.”
At the same time, such opportunities require careful navigation. “Trump’s approach is highly transactional, and the UK must be prepared to negotiate assertively while managing the risks of potential conflicts over tariffs or other policies,” Ibrahim added.
Defence and geopolitical challenges
In defence and foreign policy, Trump’s presidency offers both alignment and divergence with the UK’s priorities. Both nations agree on the importance of supporting Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict, but their methods may differ.
“While both the UK and US share the goal of achieving peace in Ukraine, the terms of any potential peace plan could become a sticking point,” Ibrahim said. “Similarly, increasing defence spending—a policy favoured by Trump—could align with UK goals, but differences may arise over how quickly and extensively the UK moves in this direction.”
Ibrahim also pointed to the potential implications of Trump’s broader foreign policy. “Trump’s scepticism of international organisations and his unilateral approach to global issues could challenge the UK’s multilateral strategies,” they said.
The impact on everyday life in the UK
Trump’s policies could directly affect people in the UK, particularly in terms of economic factors like trade and inflation. Ibrahim highlighted how a trade deal with the US might alleviate some of the economic pressures caused by inflation and the war in Ukraine.
“Cheaper imports from the US and increased trade opportunities for UK businesses could have tangible benefits for British consumers,” they explained. “Additionally, if Trump’s leadership accelerates peace efforts in Ukraine, it could stabilise global markets, particularly for oil and other essential goods.”
A divisive figure with global influence
Trump remains a polarising figure, both domestically and internationally. While his leadership style has been described as assertive and pragmatic, his policies often spark strong reactions.
“If you’re a human rights activist, a climate advocate, or a feminist, Trump’s presidency will raise serious concerns,” Ibrahim said. “But for businesses and those seeking economic opportunities, his transactional approach could present significant advantages.”
Trump’s influence extends beyond policy. His reputation as a “showman” is expected to shape his inauguration and the tone of his second term. “The inauguration will likely highlight his key messages from the campaign, emphasising his resilience and ability to ‘get things done’ despite opposition,” Ibrahim noted.
Looking ahead: opportunities and risks
As Trump’s presidency begins, the UK faces the dual challenge of leveraging opportunities while managing risks. Ibrahim emphasised the importance of balancing areas of cooperation and disagreement.
“While there are areas where UK and US policies diverge, such as climate change, the potential for collaboration—particularly in trade—remains significant,” they said. “This term could present a unique opportunity for the UK to build a stronger alliance with the US, especially in the post-Brexit era.”
As the UK navigates this period, experts emphasise the importance of balancing collaboration with careful diplomacy.