US President Donald Trump was abandoned by business leaders, lambasted by some senior Republicans, and implicitly criticised by military leaders amid a fierce backlash over his comments in response to violence by white supremacists in Charlottesville.

In what could be a defining moment for his presidency Mr Trump was forced to disband two advisory councils consisting of high profile chief executives of major US companies.

That came amid a chorus of public disapproval from Republicans led by President George H. W. Bush, and president George W. Bush, who issued a rare joint statement condemning "bigotry" and quoting the Declaration of Independence.

The reaction against Mr Trump was international with Prime Minister Theresa May issuing a rebuke to Britain's close ally.

Mrs May said: "I see no equivalence between those who propound fascist views and those who oppose them, and I think it is important for all those in positions of responsibility to condemn far-right views wherever we hear them."