It came just hours after he hailed a "new chapter for stronger trade" with Britain amid concerns about the import of chlorine-washed chickens in the UK after Brexit.

Theresa May is facing a Cabinet split over the import of poultry treated with the chlorine wash process from the US, which is currently banned under EU rules but a fifth cheaper than British chicken.

Mr Trump predicted a strengthening of the "special relationship" after Liam Fox insisted the issue was just a "detail" of trade negotiations.

The International Trade Secretary wants to allow the import of poultry after Brexit but is being opposed by Michael Gove, the Environment Secretary, who has insisted food standards must not be downgraded.

Following the controversy, Mr Trump hailed the talks between Dr Fox and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer yesterday.

Posting on the official presidential Twitter account, Mr Trump said: