Trump scolded by police and PM for 'unhelpful' tweets after London attack

Trump scolded by police and PM for 'unhelpful' tweets after London attack

It was at 6.42am in Washington that Donald Trump tweeted himself into another diplomatic row with the UK.

His assertion that the London attackers "were in the sights of Scotland Yard" was either the revelation of shared intelligence or what the Prime Minister called unhelpful speculation.

Either way, it has done some damage to that much vaunted "special relationship" - and Sky News understands that Theresa May raised Mr Trump's tweets in a phone call with the President on Friday afternoon.

:: Live updates - Tube terror blast

Another attack in London by a loser terrorist.These are sick and demented people who were in the sights of Scotland Yard. Must be proactive! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 15, 2017

Loser terrorists must be dealt with in a much tougher manner.The internet is their main recruitment tool which we must cut off & use better! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 15, 2017

Earlier, in Downing Street, Mrs May had said: "I never think it's helpful for anybody to speculate on what is an ongoing investigation."


The Metropolitan Police echoed the Prime Minister's concerns, as Mr Trump's comments did not correspond with any information released by the UK authorities.

Mr Trump offered little clarity during an appearance in the sunshine of the Rose Garden a few hours later.

Although he confirmed he had been briefed on London, the President did not say whether that briefing happened before or after his tweets.

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Prime Minister: It was a cowardly attack

The whole event was a little surreal: the President had gone outside to watch an 11-year-old called Frankie Giaccio mow the lawn (Frankie had written to the White House asking if he could) and ended up talking international affairs.

So, as Frankie's mower roared into life, Mr Trump turned and strode to the Oval Office to - he said - place a call to Theresa May... and perhaps try to repair some of that damage.

A Downing Street spokesperson later confirmed a conversation had taken place, saying: "President Trump called the Prime Minister earlier today to offer his condolences over this morning's cowardly attack in London."

And the White House said Mr Trump had pledged close collaboration with the UK "to stop attacks worldwide targeting innocent civilians and to combat extremism".

The President has form with London attacks. He and his son Donald Trump Jr both mocked Sadiq Khan after taking the mayor's words of reassurance to Londoners out of context. That happened after the Westminster Bridge and Borough Market attacks.

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After the Manchester Arena attack, intelligence from the UK investigation - including the name of the attacker and photos of his device - was leaked by US government sources to the American media.

Mr Trump wasn't responsible, of course, but US secretary of state Rex Tillerson was dispatched to London to head off a full-blown diplomatic row after intelligence sharing was briefly suspended.

The President did share highly classified intelligence about suspected IS plans, until then closely guarded among US allies, with the Russian foreign minister during a meeting at the White House.

He later said he had an "absolute right" to do so but it prompted criticism that he was careless in exposing intelligence gatherers to increased risk.

:: Timeline of UK terror attacks in 2017

Mayor appeals for 'calm' after Tube bomb

His tweets about the London attack will attract similar accusations of carelessness.

If Mr Trump had insight into the UK investigation, should he have publicly shared it? Was he criticising Scotland Yard and the British intelligence services for not acting sooner?

His tweets tend to be aimed at his base, bolstering his image as tough on immigration and terrorism and with little thought to the wider world.

A rebuke from his friend, the British Prime Minister, should remind him of the damage they can also do.