U.K. says Trump visit invite still stands after reported delay
LONDON -- Britain's state visit invitation for President Trump still stands, the prime minister's office said Sunday, after The Guardian reported that Trump wants to postpone the trip until he can be assured the atmosphere won't be hostile towards him.
The Guardian reported Sunday that Mr. Trump told Prime Minister Theresa May that he doesn't want to come if there will be protests -- a likely prospect. The newspaper cited an unnamed Downing St. aide in the room.
But the White House said the two leaders had not discussed the topic. Britain has never confirmed dates for the visit, although officials have said it could be in October.
The president is facing backlash after tweeting insults at London London Mayor Sadiq Khan in the wake of the London Bridge terrorist attack. Khan has said Mr. Trump's visit should be canceled.
White House spokeswoman Lindsay Walters said that Mr. Trump "has tremendous respect for Prime Minister May. That subject never came up on the call."
May's office declined to comment on "private phone conversations." It said Queen Elizabeth II had "extended an invitation to President Trump to visit the U.K. and there is no change to those plans."
The White House readout of the Friday conversation said the president spoke with May to "offer his warm support" regarding the contested U.K. election.
"President Trump emphasized his commitment to the United States-United Kingdom special relationship and underscored that he looks forward to working with the Prime Minister on shared goals and interests in the years to come," the White House readout said.
May is in the midst of political turmoil, after a Thursday general election saw her Conservative Party lose their majority while she tries to establish a government post-Brexit.
May was the first head of state to visit the White House during Mr. Trump's presidency, meeting with Mr. Trump and holding a joint press conference with him January 27, days after Mr. Trump took office.
But Mr. Trump's relationship with European countries has been tested in recent months, particularly during his recent foreign trip, after which he decided to back out of the Paris agreement on climate change. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Germany can no longer rely on "other" nations and that Europe, "really must take our fate into our own hands." Mr. Trump's habit of lashing out on Twitter has also earned him the shock and consternation of other leaders abroad, such as London's mayor.