Love him or loathe him, 10 reasons why a second Trump Presidency could be good for the UK

In the world of geopolitics, few figures are as divisive as Donald Trump. For some, his policies represent a shift toward nationalism and self-interest, while for others, he embodies a willingness to challenge the status quo. But regardless of one’s personal views, it’s worth considering the potential benefits of a second Trump presidency for the United Kingdom. Here are ten ways Trump’s policies could positively impact the UK, along with clarifications on some mainstream media narratives that have left many fearing the worst as evidenced by so many media commentators on the left seeming losing their minds in the last 24 hours.

1.?Economic Priorities that Favor Bilateral Trade

Trump’s "America First" approach does not exclude his allies—in fact, it can work to their (i.e. our) advantage. His administration prioritized deals that benefited both parties, and Brexit made the UK an especially attractive partner for a U.S. trade deal. Trump’s focus on bilateral agreements over multilateral entanglements aligns with the UK’s post-Brexit desire to control its own trade policy. A second term could mean a renewed effort toward a favourable UK-U.S. trade agreement (shelved by the Biden administration) that prioritises British interests alongside American ones.

2.?Support for National Sovereignty

Trump’s emphasis on national sovereignty resonates with the UK’s need to assert independence from the EU. He has repeatedly stated that nations should govern themselves without interference from supranational bodies, a principle that aligns well with the UK's decision to leave the EU. Trump's policies provide a potential ally for the UK in the global conversation about national self-determination.

3.?Military and Defence Partnership Strengthened

Trump’s term saw substantial support for NATO and the UK’s defence capabilities. His insistence that NATO allies pay their fair share led to an overall increase in NATO funding, indirectly benefiting UK defence. This focus on a balanced burden-sharing in NATO could lead to a continued or increased military presence in Europe, enhancing security against potential threats. A second Trump term could see the UK continue to benefit from American support in defence without needing to take on additional financial burdens.

4.?Pro-Business Policies that Boost Markets

Trump’s corporate tax cuts and deregulation efforts led to a booming stock market that also positively impacted UK-based investors and companies with transatlantic ties. A second Trump presidency could bring a similar economic approach, potentially benefiting UK investors who look to the U.S. for economic cues.

5.?Focus on Energy Independence and Stability

Trump’s energy policies aimed at making the U.S. energy independent led to increased energy production and lower global oil prices. This had a ripple effect, benefiting UK consumers and companies reliant on energy imports. A continued focus on energy independence in the U.S. would likely bring further stability to energy prices, which could support both UK consumers and industries.

6.?Trade Rebalancing with China, Potentially Favouring the UK

Trump’s tough stance on China created a rethinking of global supply chains, pushing more countries to consider alternative trading partners. This shift can favour the UK, which has similar concerns about over-reliance on China. The UK stands to benefit from any policies that encourage economic diversification away from China, allowing it to strengthen ties with both the U.S. and other Asian economies.

7.?Immigration Policies with a Focus on Legal Pathways

Trump’s focus on securing U.S. borders and promoting legal immigration helped shift the discussion globally toward legal migration routes and the reduction of illegal trafficking. The UK’s own immigration policies could find an ally in a U.S. administration that values legal migration channels, which could lead to shared resources or intelligence on managing immigration challenges.

8.?A Willingness to Challenge Global Bureaucracies

Trump’s scepticism toward global institutions like the World Health Organization and the United Nations resonated with many in the UK who believe such organizations need reform. His push for accountability within these institutions could provide an opportunity for the UK to call for reforms that better serve its interests in global governance.

9.?Support for Israel, Strengthening Middle Eastern Stability

Trump’s policies in the Middle East, particularly the Abraham Accords, promoted stability in a historically volatile region. As a close ally, the UK also benefits from Middle Eastern stability in terms of trade, energy, and security. A continued U.S. commitment to peace in the region could support British interests in stability and commerce.

10.?A Consistent Ally in a Changing World Order

In a world where geopolitical alliances are constantly shifting, Trump’s preference for clear, direct alliances could benefit the UK. His administration’s close relationship with Britain created a more predictable alliance framework that the UK could count on for mutual support. This clarity in diplomacy could reduce ambiguity for the UK and help solidify its role on the world stage post-Brexit.

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Clarifying Common Misconceptions

Many media narratives have painted Trump as authoritarian, often framing his direct communication style as harmful. While he does employ strong rhetoric, his presidency was conducted within the bounds of democratic processes, often facing pushback from Congress and the judiciary. His administration showed no concerted effort to overstep constitutional bounds or undermine democratic institutions. His opponents’ characterizations of him as a dictator have at times, overshadowed the reality that he frequently worked within—and was constrained by—the same checks and balances that every U.S. president must respect.

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Conclusion

Regardless of one’s personal opinions on Trump’s style, it’s crucial to consider the tangible impacts of his policies. A second Trump presidency could offer specific benefits to the UK, particularly around trade, defence, and energy. While the rhetoric surrounding him may seem divisive, the potential for a strengthened UK-U.S. relationship offers Britain an opportunity to bolster its post-Brexit role on the world stage. By setting aside media-driven fears and focusing on policy outcomes, the UK stands to gain from a pragmatic, mutually beneficial relationship with an administration focused on results.

Here's an alternative take, something that a good friend of mine sent me yesterday, which prompted me to write this article:

1. Americans love their country and want it to be the best in the world. America is a nation of people who conquered a continent. They love strength. They love winning. Any leader who appeals to that has an automatic advantage.

?2. Unlike Europeans, Americans have not accepted managed decline. They don't have Net Zero here, they believe in producing their own energy and making it as cheap as possible because they know that their prosperity depends on it.

?3. Prices for most basic goods in the US have increased rapidly and are sky high. What the official statistics say about inflation and the reality of people's lives are not the same.

?4. Unlike you, Americans do not believe in socialism. They believe in meritocracy. They don't care about the super rich being super rich because they know that they live in a country where being super rich is available to anyone with the talent and drive to make it. They don't resent success, they celebrate it.

?5. Americans are the most pro-immigration people in the world. Read that again. Seriously, read it again. Americans love an immigrant success story. They want more talented immigrants to come to America. But they refuse to accept people coming illegally. They believe in having a border.

?6. Americans are sensitive about racial issues and their country's imperfect history. They believe that those who are disadvantaged by the circumstances of their birth should be given the opportunity to succeed. What they reject, however, is the idea that in order to address the errors of the past new errors must be made. DEI is racist. They know it and they reject it precisely because they are not racist.

?7. Americans are the most philosemitic nation on earth. October 7 and the pro-Hamas left's reaction shocked them to their very core because, among other things, they remember what 9/11 was like and they know jihad when they see it.

?8. Americans are extremely practical people. They care about what works, not what sounds good. In Europe, we produce great writers and intellectuals. In America they produce (and attract) great engineers, businessmen and investors. Because of this, they care less about Trump's rhetoric than you do and more about his policies than you do.

?9. Americans are deeply optimistic people. They hate negativity. The woke view of American history as a series of evils for which they must eternally apologise is utterly abhorrent to them. They believe in moving forward together, not endlessly obsessing about the past.

10. America is a country whose founding story is one of resistance to government overreach. They loathe unnecessary restrictions, regulations and control. They understand that freedom comes with the price of self-reliance and they pay it gladly.