US President Donald Trump has announced what he described as a “breakthrough” economic agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom, claiming it will fast-track American goods through British customs and bring the two nations into closer alignment on industrial and security policy.Speaking from the Oval Office on Thursday, the former US president — joined by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on speakerphone — said the deal, though not yet final, would see the UK prioritise the entry of American products, including chemicals, machinery and other industrial goods, in a move he called a win for both sides.
“This is a great deal for both the countries,” Trump said, adding that the full terms were still being written and would be completed in the coming weeks.
He also claimed the agreement would include a “historic” economic security component, although specific details were not made public. He linked the idea to the broader principle that “economic security is national security,” suggesting the UK and US would coordinate more closely on export controls and efforts to maintain strong domestic production of critical materials such as steel.Starmer framed the announcement in historical terms, drawing a connection to the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. “You may or may not know, but it was about this time of day exactly 80 years ago that Winston Churchill announced victory in Europe,” he said, invoking a figure Trump has frequently referenced in past speeches.
“This is a great deal for both the countries,” Trump said, adding that the full terms were still being written and would be completed in the coming weeks.
He also claimed the agreement would include a “historic” economic security component, although specific details were not made public. He linked the idea to the broader principle that “economic security is national security,” suggesting the UK and US would coordinate more closely on export controls and efforts to maintain strong domestic production of critical materials such as steel.Starmer framed the announcement in historical terms, drawing a connection to the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. “You may or may not know, but it was about this time of day exactly 80 years ago that Winston Churchill announced victory in Europe,” he said, invoking a figure Trump has frequently referenced in past speeches.
Trump also revealed that his Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, would travel to Switzerland this weekend to meet with Chinese officials amid ongoing tensions over trade. “They want to make a deal very badly too,” Trump said.
Describing Britain as “one of our closest and most cherished allies,” Trump said the new pact would be the first in a series of trade agreements. He claimed it would unlock billions of dollars in new market access for American exports, including beef, ethanol and other agricultural products.
Further details on the customs fast-track process or the full scope of the security cooperation are expected as negotiations continue over the coming weeks.
