The Trump administration’s ambassador to the United Kingdom said Monday that President Trump could make a formal state visit to the long-lasting U.S. partner this summer, yet British authorities indicated no such arrangement was solidified.
Ambassador Woody Johnson said on BBC Radio that a state visit that matched with the commemoration of the finish of World War II in May “would be a good time,” but noted that the trip would have to be acceptable to “both sides,” The Guardian reported.
A spokeswoman for British Prime Minister Theresa May tempered expectations for the visit a brief timeframe later, revealing to The Guardian that no date has been set for a visit by Trump.
“An invitation has been extended for that, and when we have further plans I’m sure we’ll let you know,” the spokeswoman said.
Trump previously visited the United Kingdom in July, however it was not a formal state visit. Thousands of demonstrators gathered in public spaces in London and somewhere else to protest his presence.
If confirmed, Trump’s visit amid the summer would come after the United Kingdom departs the European Union. British lawmakers have been working for months on a Brexit deal after voters said in a 2016 referendum that they needed to leave the continental body.
May delayed a vote recently on a Brexit deal reached with the European Union after it turned out to be clear the measure would have failed. The prime minister must secure a deal in front of the March 29 deadline for the United Kingdom to leave the EU.
Trump has been critical of May’s handling of Brexit negotiations.
