Trump says US will stay out of Brexit but slams handling by UK’s May

Olivier Douliery-Pool | Getty Images News | Getty Images

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Ireland Prime Minister Leo Varadkar in the Oval Office of the White House on March 14, 2019 in Washington, DC.

The United States will stay out of Britain’s negotiations over its exit from the European Union, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday, even as he criticized British Prime Minister Theresa May’s handling of the talks.

Speaking to reporters ahead of his meeting with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, Trump said he wants Brexit talks to work out but was surprised at how badly the negotiations have gone, adding that May did not listen to his suggestions on how to negotiate.

Trump also said he did not think another vote on Brexit would be possible because it would be unfair, and reiterated that he would like to see a U.S. trade deal with the United Kingdom after it leaves the EU.

Varadkar, sitting alongside Trump at the White House, said he looked forward to discussing Brexit with Trump and that he would like to see a European trade deal with the United States.