“I believe the UK would fight for the United States in any situation” – President Donald Trump

“I believe the UK would fight for the United States in any situation” – President Donald Trump

[London, July 15, 2025] – In a striking remark, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he firmly believes the United Kingdom would fight on behalf of the United States if needed. However, he added that he could not express the same level of confidence when it comes to the European Union.

In an interview with British media outlet BBC on Tuesday, Trump said:

“I’m not sure I should say this, but I will — I believe the UK would fight with us.”
“I think they would stand with us. But I’m not so sure about many of the other countries.”

Trust in the UK, Doubts About NATO

President Trump said that although NATO member states have agreed to increase defense spending, he remains doubtful about their willingness to come together in support of the United States — especially when it comes to many countries within the European Union, toward whom his views remain critical.

Tariff Exemptions for the UK, Threats Against Europe

Reflecting this trust, Trump noted that the UK has been granted some exemptions under his tariff policy. In contrast, he warned that goods from the European Union may face tariffs as high as 30%.

Trump explained:

“Look, that’s why I made a deal with the UK. I’ve made a few other deals, but overall, when it comes to your competitors or the European Union, I haven’t made a major deal yet.”

Historical Context: Article 5 and the UK’s Role

Notably, NATO’s Article 5 — which states that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all — has only ever been invoked once, following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States.

At that time, the United Kingdom was one of the first countries to join the U.S. in military action, first in Afghanistan and later in Iraq. However, the size of the British military has since decreased significantly.

President Trump’s statement not only highlights the close diplomatic relationship his administration holds with the United Kingdom but also underscores his distance from the European Union. Analysts believe these comments could influence future trade relations, security agreements, and alliance politics.