UK pound falls, politicians reel after Trump broadside

A six-meter high cartoon baby blimp of U.S. President Donald Trump hovers next to the statue of former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, as it is flown as a protest against his visit, in Parliament Square in London, England, Friday, July 13, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

LONDON — The British pound has fallen and U.K. politicians are reeling from the tornado-blast of U.S. President Donald Trump, who has humiliated Prime Minister Theresa May, crushed hopes of a quick U.S.-U.K. trade deal and boosted May’s opponents in the high-stakes battle over Brexit.

All in less than 24 hours in Britain.

In an interview with The Sun newspaper, Trump slammed May’s plans for Brexit and praised her political rival Boris Johnson. He also criticized immigration and said London Mayor Sadiq Khan had failed to stop terrorism.

The pound fell 0.6 percent to $1.31 Friday, and May’s government struggled to put a brave face on a presidential visit that has veered wildly off course.

In one of the milder reactions, Universities Minister Sam Gyimah tweeted: “Where are your manners, Mr. President?”