Despite sharp disagreements between the two leaders, US President Joe Biden told Liz Truss that the UK is “our closest ally in the world.”
Biden and the new UK prime ministers spoke to reporters ahead of a one-on-one meeting at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where they will discuss Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the ensuing energy crisis.
Though Biden’s words were comforting, the president told Truss that he is “looking forward to hearing what’s on your mind” about the Northern Ireland Protocol, which prevents a hard border on the island of Ireland, underscoring tensions over post-Brexit arrangements.
The prime minister attempted to reassure the US president by explaining how the Good Friday Agreement, which brought peace to the island, would be upheld.
Biden and Truss were meeting after the president tweeted that he was “sick and tired of trickle-down economics” just as the PM was discussing her economic policy.
“It’s never worked,” he admitted.
The remarks highlighted the differences between the two leaders’ positions after Truss made it clear that her economic agenda was based on the trickle-down theory, which holds that tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations will benefit everyone.
Biden congratulated Truss on her appointment as Prime Minister and said, “I look forward to working closely with you. You are our closest ally in the world, and there is much more we can do together.”
Truss told Biden that the UK and the US are “steadfast allies,” and thanked him for his support following the Queen’s death.
“Of course, I’m looking forward to discussing the Belfast Good Friday Agreement and how we can ensure its continued viability,” she added.
Biden stated that the meeting’s “full agenda” includes Ukraine’s defence against Vladimir Putin’s invasion of China, and preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.