President Trump on Tuesday suggested that the National Health Service should be "on the table" during a post-Brexit trade deal with the United Kingdom.
"I think everything with the trade deal is on the table," Trump said during a press conference with Prime Minister Theresa May. "...So NHS or anything else, or a lot more than that. But everything will be on the table, absolutely."
After saying he couldn't hear this question about NHS, Trump leaned over to May, who told him, "It's the National Health Service." Trump's comments echoed a previous statement from U.S. Ambassador to the U.K. Woody Johnson, who said that "all things that are traded," including health care, would be on the table during a deal.
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Matt Hancock, Britain's Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, objected to this statement from Trump, tweeting after the press conference, "Dear Mr President. The NHS isn't on the table in trade talks - and never will be. Not on my watch." British Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn similarly tweeted that "our NHS is not for sale."
Trump had earlier in the day suggested that May should "stick around" so they can "do this deal," which reportedly prompted laughter in the room. May has announced her resignation effective on Friday, and this deal would take place after Brexit. During Tuesday's press conference, Trump also praised May by saying she deserves "a lot of credit" and is "probably a better negotiator than I am." Brendan Morrow
