If he wants to show support against Russian aggression targeting Britain, President Trump should visit America’s top ally next week. The timing would be perfect.
Trump has already greatly pleased Prime Minister Theresa May’s government by referencing Britain’s assessment that Russia carried out the recent attack on Sergei Skripal and his daughter. Using resolute language on Tuesday, Trump stated “I would certainly take that finding as fact.”
And in the House of Commons on Wednesday, May referenced Trump’s support as she pushed back against Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn’s efforts to appease the Russians.
As I say, it’s the perfect moment for Trump to make his first visit the U.K. After all, an alliance like that of the U.S. and Britain is measured not by the transitory disagreements of any one moment, but rather by the willingness of one partner to stand alongside the other in a moment of need. Facing serious aggression by Russia, Britain now needs America at its side.
The British political establishment recognizes as much. While Trump is unpopular on British parliamentary benches, the United States is held in deep regard by parliamentarians thanks to the historic U.S.-U.K. alliance, deep and continuing trade links, and America’s unparalleled power
Correspondingly, were Trump to announce a short trip of even one or two days to Britain next week, the vast majority of parliamentarians, the British people and the media would welcome him. To be sure, the president would face protests and petulance from left-wing fanatics like Jeremy Corbyn, but for the most part, his presence would be regarded as a powerful symbol of American commitment.
The strategic benefits of that commitment wouldn’t simply be rendered in deterrence against Russia, but also in the way in which Britons regard U.S. political leaders. That’s because the traditional perception of U.S. presidents is that they use Britain more than they assist it.
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair was ridiculed by the British media for what they said was his “poodle” like subservience to former President George W. Bush. Similarly, former Prime Minister David Cameron was portrayed as weak and former President Barack Obama as arrogant in relation to Obama’s stance on issues like the Falkland Islands and a post-Brexit trade deal.
By visiting Britain now, Trump would challenge that perception in a way that suited his personal image. Countering the common British perception that he’s an uncaring, arrogant and ill-informed man, Trump would show himself to be a reflexive statesman for the moment. The leader of the free world.
Best of all, a visit would fit perfectly with Trump’s overarching foreign policy doctrine: deliberate unpredictability.
