White House misspells Theresa May's name three times ahead of Trump meeting

Jane Onyanga-Omara | USA TODAY

Show Caption Hide Caption White House misspells British Prime Minister's name The White House press office misspelled the name of British Prime Minister Theresa May in a memo, accidentally referring to a very different woman. Matt Hoffman has more.

LONDON — British Prime Minister Theresa May will become the first foreign leader to meet face-to-face with President Trump on Friday, continuing her offensive to strengthen the “special relationship” between the two nations.

The proceedings didn’t get to a good start however, when the White House misspelled May’s first name three times in a schedule sent out about the impending meetings.

The White House writes: "Teresa May, Prime Minister of United Kingdom." Correct version: "Prime Minister Theresa May of the United Kingdom" pic.twitter.com/K1yw6jaMtI — สมเกียรติ อ่อนวิมล (@somkiatonwimon) January 27, 2017

One spelling error referenced a “bilateral meeting” between Trump and “Teresa May,” and the gaffe was repeated while informing readers of a “working luncheon” between the two. Teresa May is also the name of a British former soft porn actress and model. The errors were later corrected.

The British leader and Trump are expected to discuss topics Friday including terrorism, ending the almost 6-year-old civil war in Syria, relations with Russia, NATO cooperation and a bilateral trade deal when the U.K. leaves the European Union following a vote to quit the alliance at a referendum in June. Trade between the two countries is worth about $187 billion, and the U.S. is the largest single investor in the U.K.

May referenced the historic “special relationship” between the United Kingdom and the United States eight times during a speech at a congressional Republicans retreat in Philadelphia on Thursday.

"The leadership provided by our two countries through the 'special relationship' has done more than win wars and overcome adversity. It made the modern world," May said.

"It is through our actions over many years, working together to defeat evil or to open up the world, that we have been able to fulfill the promise of those who first spoke of the special nature of the relationship between us. The promise of freedom, liberty and the rights of man."

May has come bearing gifts for Trump and the first lady, including apple juice from her country house in England, marmalade, cookies and an engraved Quaich — a Scottish cup of friendship — reflecting Trump's links to the U.K. The president's mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, came from the Scottish island of Lewis.