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Donald Trump 'berated Theresa May over Brexit and Iran in phone call from Air Force One

Trump is reported to have berated the Prime Minister over Brexit and Iran: REUTERS
Trump is reported to have berated the Prime Minister over Brexit and Iran: REUTERS

Donald Trump berated Theresa May over her handling of Brexit and Iran in a fractious phone call from Air Force One, according to US newspaper reports.

The prime minster is said to have called the President on Friday as he travelled over from the US to Paris for events marking the centenary of the end of the First World War.

The call was to congratulate him on the Republican result in the mid-term elections, the Washington Post reported.

But according to the newspaper’s report, Mr Trump berated Mrs May for not doing enough to contain Iran.

He also questioned her over Brexit and complained about the trade deals he sees as unfair with European countries.

Mrs May’s aides were said to have been taken aback by the president’s “foul mood”, according to US and European officials briefed on the conversation.

Downing Street has yet to comment on the report.

Insiders said his mood was down to the mid-term results and wins for the Democrats, and he had been “brooding” over the count in Florida.

His supposed rant preceded a fractious visit by Mr Trump to Europe.

Theresa May's aides were said to have been taken aback by the president’s “foul mood” (EPA)
Theresa May's aides were said to have been taken aback by the president’s “foul mood” (EPA)

After arriving in Paris, Mr Trump faced criticism for cancelling a scheduled visit to a US military cemetery because of bad weather.

He went on to mock his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, after an awkward Armistice Day visit.

He claimed the French were learning German before the US intervened in World War Two and again floated his regular threat of pulling the US out of NATO.

Ructions have also continued back in Washington at the White House with First Lady Melania Trump publicly calling for the sacking of Deputy National Security Adviser Mira Ricardel over an alleged clash during her recent tour of Africa.

“It is the position of the Office of the First Lady that she no longer deserves the honour of serving in this White House,” Mrs Trump’s spokeswoman said.

The statement came as US media reported that Mr Trump was considering a shake up in the White House West Wing, and may be considering removing White House Chief of Staff John Kelly or Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen.