Phil Murphy: New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has suggested that former President Donald Trump might offer the UK a special “trade lane” if he returns to office, showing sympathy for Brexit. Murphy, a senior Democrat and a prominent figure in US politics, emphasized that Trump’s potential tariff policies could damage economies, but he believes there is a unique opportunity for Britain.

Speaking to journalists in London, Murphy said, “There’s a lane for the UK. I think Trump has an embedded sympathy for an entity leaving a larger club, like Brexit.” He also highlighted that the relationship between Brexit and Trump is intertwined, as both political shifts emerged around the same time.

While Murphy has maintained ties with Trump despite their political differences, he remains concerned about Trump’s fondness for tariffs, which the former president famously described as “the most beautiful word in the dictionary.” Murphy warned that such tariffs could inflict significant domestic pain, raising costs for households and causing inflation.

Nevertheless, Murphy expressed confidence that sub-national partnerships between the UK and US, particularly in sectors like AI, life sciences, and renewable energy, would continue to thrive. He stressed the importance of maintaining strong ties: “We believe with great passion that these relations can be strengthened.”

As Trump’s political influence looms over the 2024 election, Murphy’s insights highlight the complexities of future UK-US trade dynamics.