DONALD Trump praised Boris Johnson as a future Prime Minister.

The US President described the former Foreign Secretary as “a very talented guy”, adding: “I like him a lot.”

7 President Trump revealed he 'respects' Boris Johnson and expressed his sadness that the former Foreign Secretary had left government Credit: Reuters

He said: “I have a lot of respect for Boris. He obviously likes me, and says very good things about me.

“I was very saddened to see he was leaving government and I hope he goes back in at some point.

“I think he is a great representative for your country.”

Asked if the ex-minister could be in No 10 one day, he replied: “Well I am not pitting one against the other.

7 President Trump says Boris Johnson would be a great Prime Minister Credit: EPA

In a world exclusive interview with The Sun, Donald Trump said Theresa May had ignored his advice by opting for a soft Brexit strategy

“I am just saying I think he would be a great Prime Minister.

“I think he’s got what it takes.”

US President Donald Trump talks candidly to The Sun about UK / US deals

Trump to meet 'incredible' Queen DONALD Trump described the Queen as “a tremendous woman” ahead of their first meeting today. The US President and wife Melania were due to have tea with the 92-year-old monarch at Windsor Castle this afternoon. He told The Sun he was not nervous about it — but was in awe of Her Majesty’s flawless public service. Mr Trump said: “She is a tremendous woman. I really look forward to meeting her. I think she represents her country so well. “If you think of it, for so many years she has represented her country, she has really never made a mistake. You don’t see, like, anything embarrassing. She is just an incredible woman. “My wife is a tremendous fan of hers. She has got a great and beautiful grace about her.” Mr Trump’s Scottish-born mum Mary was an obsessive fan of the Queen, he said. He added: “My mother loved the Queen. Any time the Queen was on television, my mother wanted to watch it.” Her Majesty will meet Mr Trump and the First Lady at the dais in the Quadrangle of the historic royal residence in Berkshire. A guard of honour, comprised of the Coldstream Guards, will give a royal salute and US anthem The Star-Spangled Banner will be played. Mr Trump and the Queen will then inspect the guard of honour and watch the soldiers march past. Afterwards, The President and First Lady will join the Queen for tea inside the castle. Her Majesty has met with previous White House couples including Barack and Michelle Obama, George W and Laura Bush, and Ronald and Nancy Reagan.

UK must up defence spending

7 Donald Trump told The Sun he agrees with Jim Mattis '100 per cent' on defence spending Credit: AFP or licensors

THERESA May must listen to her generals and hike defence spending to keep the Special Relationship intact, said Mr Trump.

His Secretary of Defense asked the UK Government to go significantly above Nato’s minimum target of 2 per cent of GDP in funding for its military as the US’s major ally.

The President told The Sun he agrees with Jim Mattis “100 per cent”.

He added: “Two per cent isn’t enough. The US pays 4.2 per cent of a much larger GDP.

Donald Trump with The Sun's Political Editor Tom Newton Dunn. The Sun was the only British media outlet Trump spoke to before his arrival in the UK for his first visit as President

“I’m very impressed that Jim sent that letter. I think that is an exact right letter.”

Mr Trump defended himself against allies’ charges of blackmail over his demand for rapid rises in all 29 Nato member states’ defence budgets.

Asked if he was a bully, he said: “I’ll tell you what, we’ve had 40 years of presidents saying the same thing in a nicer way and they got nothing, so call it what you want.

“They’re taking ad­vantage of the United States. I’m not going to let it happen.”

7 Theresa May rolled out the red carpet for President Trump and wife Melania during their first night in Britain Credit: AFP or licensors

Mr Trump caused panic by implying he could pull the US out of Nato if other countries did not hike their contributions.

He was asked at a Brussels press conference if he had threatened to withdraw and replied: “I told people I’d be very unhappy if they didn’t up their commitment. Yesterday I let them know I was extremely unhappy.”

He insisted nations had finally agreed to increase expenditure, adding: “Everyone in the room thanked me.”

But French President Emmanuel Macron de­nied Nato allies had agreed a spending rise.

7 Donald Trump admitted that he was left 'saddened' by Boris Johnson's decision to leave Cabinet Credit: Reuters

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The US wants its Nato allies to share more of the financial burden on defence.

In 2014 Nato nations committed to moves toward reaching the 2 per cent of GDP figure within 10 years.

Nato estimated just 15 members will meet the aim by 2024 based on current trends.