Donald Trump applauds Brexit vote, says America is next to 're-declare independence'

Donald Trump lands in Scotland, weighs in on Brexit

(Image credit: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

published 24 June 2016

Donald Trump landed in Scotland on Friday to take care of some golf business, and immediately upon landing, he offered his endorsement of the UK vote to leave the European Union:

Scotland actually voted against the Brexit, 62 percent to 38 percent, and the referendum results increase the chance that Scottish voters will eventually choose the EU over the UK. In a longer statement posted to Facebook, Trump expanded on the connection between his presidential campaign and the UK's vote to sever itself from the EU. The British people "have declared their independence from the European Union," he said, promising that President Trump would "strengthen our ties with a free and independent Britain."

"Come November, the American people will have the chance to re-declare their independence" and "reject today's rule by the global elite," Trump added — from Scotland, where he's opening a golf course. "I hope America is watching, it will soon be time to believe in America again." Trump is a quick study. On June 1, he appeared to have never heard of the Brexit vote, and on Wednesday, he said he didn't "think anybody should listen to me" on the Brexit issue. You can read Trump's entire statement at Facebook.

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.