Experts have warned that the impact of Donald Trump’s actions could “undermine” America’s relationship with the UK, following his controversial withdrawal from the Paris climate change agreement.
Just hours after he was sworn in for a second presidential term on Monday, Trump signed an executive order directing the US to again leave the landmark agreement, distancing the country from its closest allies – including the UK.
He previously abandoned the global Paris accord in 2017. Triggering the second withdrawal has dealt a blow to worldwide efforts to combat global warming. It aims to limit temperatures to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels, or at least well below 2C above pre-industrial levels.
His order claims the Paris accord is one of many international agreements that are not in line with US values and “steer American taxpayer dollars to countries that do not require, or merit, financial assistance in the interests of the American people.”
Trump instead claimed that, instead of joining a global agreement, “the United States’ successful track record of advancing both economic and environmental objectives should be a model for other countries”. Below are four actions the president has taken that could “undermine” America’s relationship with the UK, according to experts.
Withdraw from Paris climate agreement
Professor Inderjeet Parmar, Head of the Department of International Politics at City, University of London, said that it is this decision that was designed to “undermine” the UK.
He told The Mirror: “Donald Trump has already withdrawn from the Paris climate accords once again; all this will help do is undermine Labour government from the Right.”
Free trade deal with NHS
Professor Parmar believes such a deal could result in higher drug prices and open up the healthcare system to more private operators. He said: “A free trade deal with the USA could impact the NHS – open it up to private providers and to big pharma and increase drug prices”, he said.
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Increase military spending
If Trump insisted on more military spending, it would “impact” Labour’s desire to spend more at home, potentially forcing the party to find additional funds to spend on aiding Ukraine.
Professor Parmar added: “Donald Trump will demand increased military spending which would impact Labour’s domestic spending plans and investment; trump cuts in military aid to Ukraine might require more UK spending to aid Ukraine.”
Andrew Rudalevige, Professor of Government at Bowdoin College, believes Trump is “forcing the burden” of defending against Russia onto countries such as the UK.” He said: “In backing away from US support for Ukraine, and thus forcing the burden of defending against Russian aggression onto European actors instead. Second, by continuing to raise the ante of what he thinks is the correct contribution to defence spending for NATO’s members in order to guarantee US involvement in the alliance.
“You may recall that having talked about 2% of GDP during the campaign he started floating 5% instead (a target the US itself does not meet); I suspect if member countries did in fact hit the 5% mark, he’d simply raise it to 7.5%.”
Closer ties with China
Chancellor Rachel Reeves recently visited China in an attempt to attract more investment to the UK. However, Trump’s return to the White House could threaten their relationship as he looks to “distance” the US from China.
Mr Rudalevige said: “(The) UK seeks closer ties to China for economic reasons while Donald Trump may demand distance and sanctions and tariffs. Tariff policy, with Britain as at least a secondary combatant in a new trade war. Trump’s policies will likely raise the cost of doing business with the US in ways that will be inflationary for both countries.”
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