
Donald Trump sent the Special Relationship into meltdown today after lobbing a series of extraordinary verbal hand grenades at Theresa May on his visit to the UK.

The US president tore up diplomatic niceties to deliver a series of crushing blows to the PM, warning that her soft Brexit plan would 'kill' a trade deal with the US - and heaping praise on Boris Johnson, who quit in protest earlier this week.

Rampaging unapologetically into domestic politics, Mr Trump said Mrs May had ignored his advice to face down the EU in negotiations and condemned slack controls on immigration.

The bombshell intervention left ministers struggling to come up with a response, just hours before Mrs May is due to host the president at Chequers for talks on the second anniversary of her premiership.

Downing Street is braced for him to double down on his criticism at a joint press conference in what could be a devastating humiliation as she struggles to cling on to power amid a huge revolt by Tory Eurosceptics.

Foreign Office minister Alan Duncan was sent out to try to put a brave face on the embarrassment this morning, stretching credibility by insisting the government did not regard Mr Trump's behaviour as 'rude'.

'Donald Trump is in many ways a controversialist, that's his style, that's the colour he brings to the world stage,' he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

Chancellor Philip Hammond, in Brussels for meetings, suggested the president had not yet studied the government's Brexit plans properly.

But many MPs made no effort to hide their outrage - with universities minister Sam Gyimah tweeting: 'Where are your manners, Mr President?'

Tory backbencher Sarah Wollaston raged that Mr Trump was 'determined to insult' Mrs May. In a sign of the growing chaos in UK politics, shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry also leapt to Mrs May's defence, branding him 'extraordinarily rude'.

'She is his host. What did his mother teach him?' Mrs Thornberry said.

US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are welcomed at Blenheim Palace by Britain Prime Minister Theresa May and her husband Philip May

From left, first lady Melania Trump, President Donald Trump, British Prime Minister Theresa May and her husband Philip May watch during the arrival ceremony at Blenheim Palace

Awkwardly grabbing Theresa May hand - in a replay of their White House meeting last year - Trump was treated to a fanfare welcome by the Scots, Irish and Welsh Guards bands

President Trump's wife Melania wore a floor-length, pleated buttercup yellow gown for her first visit to Britain as First Lady

President Trump and his wife walked hand-in-hand to Marine One which flew them from London to the evening's gala dinner

US First Lady Melania Trump, US President Donald Trump, Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May and her husband Philip May stand on steps in the Great Court watching and listening to the bands of the Scots, Irish and Welsh Guards perform a ceremonial welcome

Theresa May has used a lavish welcome dinner for Donald Trump at Blenheim Palace to press her case for an ambitious new trade deal with the US after Brexit

Britain and the US are the largest investors in each other's economies, with over a trillion dollars of investments between them, said Mrs May (left with her husband, right with Trump)

Fanfare: Bandsmen from the Scots, Welsh and Irish Guards welcomed the Presidential party to Blenheim Palace last night

Dignitaries including International Trade minister Liam Fox (centre) awaited the President's arrival for the Blenheim dinner

Mr Trump's outburst emerged last night just as Mrs May feted him at a lavish business dinner at Blenheim Palace - the family home of his hero Winston Churchill in Oxfordshire.

As the leaders posed for the cameras, even holding hands at one point, it was revealed that Mr Trump had launched a full-scale attack on Mrs May's leadership in an interview with The Sun before arriving in Britain.

Giving a withering assessment of her Brexit plan to align with EU rules to ease trade and keep a soft Irish border, he said: 'If they do a deal like that, we would be dealing with the European Union instead of dealing with the UK, so it will probably kill the deal. I actually told Theresa May how to do it, but she didn't listen to me'.

Sources close to the president earlier warned that a lucrative transatlantic trade deal would be impossible if the UK keeps close ties with Brussels - effectively meaning Britain must choose between the US and EU.

In an interview with the British newspaper, Mr Trump said he thought Boris Johnson would make a 'great prime minister' and that he was 'saddened' the former foreign secretary was out of the government.

The president also renewed his war of words with Sadiq Khan, saying the London mayor has 'done a very bad job on terrorism'.

He said he thought that allowing 'millions and millions' of people into Europe was 'very sad' and pointed to crime being 'brought in' to London, criticising the Labour mayor for failing to deal with it.

Europe, he added, is 'losing its culture' because of mass migration and warned it will never be the same again unless leaders act quickly.

'Look around,' he said. 'You go through certain areas that didn't exist ten or 15 years ago.' He added: 'Allowing the immigration to take place in Europe is a shame.'

The White House tried to go on cleanup duty after the explosive interview.

'The President likes and respects Prime Minister May very much,' White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement.

'As he said in his interview with the Sun she 'is a very good person' and he 'never said anything bad about her.' He thought she was great on NATO today and is a really terrific person.'

Protests against Mr Trump are taking place in central London today, with a 'Baby Trump' blimp flying in Parliament Square

In an apparent plea to the president to remember his allies when he meets Vladimir Putin in Helsinki in Monday, May noted that Britain and America work closely together in the interests of their shared security, 'whether through targeting Daesh terrorists or standing up to Russian aggression'

She continued: 'He is thankful for the wonderful welcome from the Prime Minister here in the U.K.'

Discussing protests - including the decision by anti-Trump activists to fly a giant blimp of the president wearing a nappy over the capital - he said they made him feel unwelcome in London.

He added that he used to love the city, but now feels little reason to go there because of the animosity directed towards him.

But he did say he respected the Queen, telling The Sun she is a 'tremendous woman' who has never made any embarrassing mistakes.

And the president also said he loves the UK and believes the British people 'want the same thing I want'.

Mrs May had been trying to use the lavish welcome dinner for Mr Trump at Blenheim Palace to press her case for an ambitious new trade deal with the US after Brexit.

The president arrived in Marine One in a tuxedo alongside First Lady Melania, wearing a floor-length, pleated buttercup yellow gown.

Awkwardly grabbing Theresa May's hand - in a replay of their White House meeting last year - Trump was treated to a fanfare welcome by the Welsh, Irish and Scots Guards' bands.

The president was given a performance of Amazing Grace featuring a bagpipe solo during his red-carpet reception as well as Liberty Fanfare and the National Emblem.

Critics of the Prime Minister's proposals for future relations with the EU claim that her willingness to align with Brussels rules on agricultural produce will block a US deal.

That is because Washington is certain to insist on the inclusion of GM crops and hormone-enhanced beef, which are banned in Europe.

But addressing the US president in front of an audience of business leaders at Winston Churchill's birthplace, Mrs May insisted that Brexit provides an opportunity for an 'unprecedented' agreement to boost jobs and growth.

Noting that more than one million Americans already work for British-owned firms, she told Mr Trump: 'As we prepare to leave the European Union, we have an unprecedented opportunity to do more.

Mrs May said that the history, language, values and culture shared by the UK and US 'inspire mutual respect' and make the two nations 'not just the closest of allies, but the dearest of friends'

A member of security cleans the limousine of U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at Blenheim Palace this evening

'It's an opportunity to reach a free trade agreement that creates jobs and growth here in the UK and right across the United States.

'It's also an opportunity to tear down the bureaucratic barriers that frustrate business leaders on both sides of the Atlantic.

'And it's an opportunity to shape the future of the world through co-operation in advanced technology, such as artificial intelligence.'

She also highlighted the importance of trans-Atlantic business links to a president who has sometimes seemed more interested in forging new links with former adversaries around the world than nurturing long-standing partnerships.

Britain and the US are the largest investors in each other's economies, with over a trillion dollars of investments between them, said Mrs May.

And she told the president: 'The strength and breadth of Britain's contribution to the US economy cannot be understated.

'The UK is the largest investor in the US, providing nearly a fifth of all foreign investment in your country.

'We invest 30 per cent more than our nearest rival. More than 20 times what China invests. And more than France and Germany combined.

'That all means a great deal more than simply numbers in bank accounts.

The Duke of Malborough, James Spencer-Churchill (right in both photos above), with his son The Marquess of Blandford, who both welcomed the Trumps to their ancestral home Blenheim Palace

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson arrives in a tuxedo at Blenheim Palace as President Donald Trump is given a formal welcome

Guests are expected to enjoy a meal of Scottish salmon, English beef and a desert of strawberries and cream. Pictured: William Hague arrives

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt and his wife Lucia arrive at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, for a dinner hosted by Prime Minister Theresa May for President Donald Trump

'It means jobs, opportunities and wealth for hardworking people right across America.'

British firms represented at the Blenheim banquet alone employ more than 250,000 people in the US, she said.

Mr Trump earlier made clear that he did not approve of the softer stance the PM has been advocating despite fury from many Tory MPs.

'Brexit is Brexit, the people voted to break it up so I would imagine that is what they'll do, but they might take a different route. I'm not sure that's what people voted for,' Mr Trump said.

Mrs May dismissed the criticism as she departed the summit this afternoon, telling journalists: 'We have come to an agreement at the proposal we're putting to the European Union which absolutely delivers on the Brexit people voted for.

'They voted for us to take back control of our money, our law and our borders and that's exactly what we will do'.

The Presidential helicopter Marine One ferried the Trumps from the US ambassador's residence in London to Blenheim Palace

Protesters gathered at the security fence watch as US President Donald Trump and US First Lady Melania Trump leave in Marine One from the US ambassador's residence, Winfield House

Several protesters hold up their placards outside Blenheim Palace, where President Donald Trump will have dinner tonight

Anti-Trump activists gather outside the 'Ring of Steel' fence put up to secure the president when he stays in Regent's Park, London

The protesters promised to create a 'wall of sound' outside the official US ambassador's residence. Above, a woman strikes a colander with a ladle while others hold up signs expressing disapprobation of the president

Mr Trump also said the UK was a 'pretty hot spot right now' with 'lots of resignations'.

'Brexit is – I have been reading about Brexit a lot over the last few days and it seems to be turning a little bit differently where they are getting at least partially involved back with the European Union,' he said.

'I have no message it is not for me to say…'

He added: 'I'd like to see them be able to work it out so it can go quickly - whatever they work out.

'I would say Brexit is Brexit. When you use the term hard Brexit I assume that's what you mean.

'A lot of people voted to break it up so I would imagine that's what they would do but maybe they are taking a little bit of a different route. I don't know if that's what they voted for.

'I just want the people to be happy…..I am sure there will be protests because there are always protests.'

Speaking about the prospect of demonstrations in the UK over his visit, Mr Trump told reporters: 'They like me a lot in the UK. I think they agree with me on immigration.'

Angry anti-Trump activists hold up signs and bang pots and colanders outside the US ambassador's Regent's Park residence

He added: 'I think that's why Brexit happened.'

Mrs May was joined at Blenheim by ministers including Chancellor Philip Hammond, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson, Trade Secretary Liam Fox, Business Secretary Greg Clark, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling and her effective deputy David Lidington.

Boris Johnson missed out on a seat at the table by resigning as foreign secretary on Monday in protest at Mrs May's Brexit policy, though Mr Trump has said he might try to speak to him during his visit.

Mrs May, dressed in an ankle length red gown and red high heeled shoes, and her husband Philip, in black tie, welcomed Mr Trump and wife Melania to the gala dinner on the first evening of the President's working visit to the UK.

Mrs Trump was dressed in a floor length yellow ball gown.

In a near replay of their famous hand-holding at the White House, the president briefly took Mrs May's hand as they went up the stairs into the palace.

The Trumps arrived from London by Marine One helicopter before being driven in the armoured presidential limousine, nicknamed The Beast, to the opulent 18th century palace near Woodstock in Oxfordshire.

Built for the Duke of Marlborough in recognition of his military victories and named a Unesco World Heritage Site, Blenheim is one of a series of historic architectural gems Mr Trump will visit on a four-day trip.

His arrival was marked by a military ceremony, with bandsmen of the Scots, Irish and Welsh Guards playing the Liberty Fanfare, Amazing Grace and the National Emblem.

Leaders of the financial services, travel, creative, food, engineering, technology, infrastructure, pharmaceutical and defence sectors were among around 100 guests who dined on Scottish salmon, English Hereford beef fillet and strawberries with clotted cream ice-cream.

Mrs May told him: 'Mr President, Sir Winston Churchill once said that 'to have the United States at our side was, to me, the greatest joy'.

'The spirit of friendship and co-operation between our countries, our leaders and our people, that most special of relationships, has a long and proud history.

'Now, for the benefit of all our people, let us work together to build a more prosperous future.'

Mrs May said that the history, language, values and culture shared by the UK and US 'inspire mutual respect' and make the two nations 'not just the closest of allies, but the dearest of friends'.

Blenheim's glorious history: From 18th century gift to a victorious general to birthplace of Winston Churchill Presented by Queen Anne to the Duke of Marlborough, John Churchill in 1704, Blenheim Palace has always been a symbol of British pride. The astonishing Oxfordshire pile has seen everything from Sir Winston Churchill's birth in 1874 to two World Wars in which it acted both as a military hospital and a college for boys. Churchill, who also married his wife, Clementine Hozier at the palace once said: 'At Blenheim I took two very important decisions; to be born and to marry. I am content with the decision I took on both occasions...' The baroque-style site set in 11,500 acres was listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1987 and is owned by 13 trustees including Sir Rocco Forte of Rocco Forte Hotels. Currently the 12th Duke of Marlborough, Jamie Blandford, and his family live in a section of the palace, although he does not appear to be on the board of trustees. The astonishing Oxfordshire pile has seen everything from Sir Winston Churchill's birth in 1874 to two World Wars in which it acted both as a military hospital and a college for boys Churchill, who also married his wife, Clementine Hozier at the palace once said: 'At Blenheim I took two very important decisions; to be born and to marry. I am content with the decision I took on both occasions...' In more recent years, Blenheim has been used as a set in a number of blockbuster films. The famous 'Harry Potter tree' that appeared in Severus Snape's flashback scene in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix still stands in the palace grounds, despite fears the ancient Cedar had developed a deadly disease two years ago. The palace's additional film credits include the James Bond film, Spectre 007, in which it doubled as Rome's Palazzo Cadenza, and Mission Impossible – Rogue Nation, in which the building's Green Writing Room acted as the set for a crucial meeting between the British Prime Minister and a secret agent. Perhaps Mission Impossible's location team were inspired by the events of September 1940, when MI5 used Blenheim Palace as a real-life base. Originally called Woodstock Manor, the land was given to the first Duke of Marlborough by the British in recognition of an English victory over the French in the war of the Spanish Succession. A Column of Victory stands central to the 2,000 acres of parkland and 90 acres of formal garden landscaped by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. At 134ft-tall the monument depicts the first Duke of Marlborough as a Roman General. Meanwhile the magnificent Baroque palace was designed by Sir John Vanbrugh who reportedly aimed to create a 'naturalistic Versailles'. Advertisement

In an apparent plea to the president to remember his allies when he meets Vladimir Putin in Helsinki in Monday, she noted that Britain and America work closely together in the interests of their shared security, 'whether through targeting Daesh terrorists or standing up to Russian aggression'.

The Countess of Wessex's Orchestra played British and American hits of the 20th century during dinner.

And Mr Trump, whose mother was Scottish, was due to be piped out by the Royal Regiment of Scotland as he and Melania left to spend the night at the US ambassador's residence in London's Regent's Park.

Outside the palace gates, several hundred protesters waved banners and placards reading Dump Trump, Not Welcome Here, Protect children Not Trump and Keep Your Tiny Hands Off My P****!

Trump touched down in Britain for his first official visit early yesterday after landing at Stansted Airport

He said: 'I think they like me a lot in the UK'

Most people, a number of whom said they worked at the embassy in London, were tight-lipped as they left a secured area in the park near the US ambassador's residence, where Mr Trump and his wife Melania stayed overnight.

Some cited 'job restrictions' while another said he was wary of the press. But one woman said Mr Trump had given a 'short speech' which she described as 'lovely'.

US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania were given a guard of honour by the RAF after arriving in the UK today

Earlier President Trump and Melania walked from Air Force One as they landed at Stansted Airport this afternoon

Britain's most elite counter terrorism police unit CTSFO are also shadowing the US President during his high-profile stay

The exterior of The Trump Arms public house in west London, formally named The Jameson, which has embraced the arrival of US President Donald Trump. Damien Smyth, from County Antrim in Northern Ireland, runs the establishment. He told the i newspaper: 'America is our biggest ally. They're our best friends in the world. They'd be the ones here first if something went wrong – not Germany, not France. I think these people protesting his visit are rude and insulting'

Donald Trump raises his fist in the air as he lands at the US Ambassador's historic London home at the start of his four-day tour

Marine One carrying The Donald and his wife passes the BT Tower and comes in to land at the US Ambassador's central London residence this afternoon

Another man, who did not wish to give his name, said: 'It was very complimentary to England and to the allies that we have, very positive.'

The US President, 72, who will meet the Prime Minister and Queen during a four-day red carpet visit, landed at Stansted Airport on Air Force One at just before 2pm and walked off hand-in-hand with First Lady Melania.

America's Commander-in-Chief has 1,000 of his own staff in the UK and a giant motorcade led by his bomb-proof Cadillac nicknamed 'The Beast' as well as multiple helicopters including Marine One to fly him around.

The President and his First Lady were met on the tarmac by US Ambassador Woody Johnson and UK Trade Secretary Liam Fox before he was whisked off to Mr Johnson's house near Regent's Park.

Earlier Mr Trump gave an extraordinary press conference in Brussels after giving NATO leaders a bruising over defence cash, where he wrote off protesters and said Theresa May's Brexit deal probably wasn't what Britons voted for.

When asked about the threat of mass demonstrations he said: 'I think it's fine. A lot of people like me there. I think they agree with me on immigration. I think that's why Brexit happened'.

Donald Trump salutes the US Marines who flew him from Stansted to Regent's Park in London on the first day of his four-day tour

Mr Trump and Melania hold hands and talk to US Ambassador Woody Johnson, who will give them a place to stay tonight

Marine One, the President's helicopter, is one of a large number of aircraft he has brought with him for the British visit (shown here landing with him inside)

His aerial entourage followed him, and included an Osprey helicopter carrying elite troops from the US Marine Corps protecting him in the UK

Protesters, meanwhile, staged a noisy gathering near Winfield House where Trump and his wife Melania spent the night.

A large group of demonstrators adopted an alternative version of England's World Cup anthem Three Lions as they sang and shouted, 'He's going home, he's going home, he's going, Trump is going home' in Regent's Park.

A wide range of campaigners, including unions, faith and environmental groups came together to unite in opposition to Mr Trump's visit to the UK, organisers said.

Bells and whistles rang out alongside cheers and claps for speakers throughout the protest, staged near the US ambassador's official residence, as the crowd was encouraged to shout loudly in the hope Mr Trump could hear.

Placards including 'Dump Trump' and 'Trump not welcome' were held aloft by the enthusiastic crowd before some began banging on the metal fence which has been erected in the park.

A clip of what organisers said was the sound of children crying at the US border after being separated from their parents was played and described by those listening as 'disgusting'.

Donald Trump's motorcade speeds through Regent's Park led by elite British police from Scotland Yard

Marine One comes in to land at the US Ambassador's central London residence this afternoon, which sits next door to the London Central Mosque in Regent's Park (minaret pictured)

Days of protests are planned for The Donald's visit, including a march through central London tomorrow and everywhere he is visiting

The 'Nuclear Football' - the suitcase containing the United States' nuclear codes - is shown being carried by a member of Trump's entourage after the president landed in Stansted

This giant and controversial Trump balloon showing the world leader in a nappy will be flying over London this weekend

Sam Fullerton from Oklahoma said while Mr Trump may not see the protest from Winfield House which is set back inside the fenced-off area in the park, he hoped he would hear it or see it on television.

Mr Fullerton said: 'He watches a lot of TV so he'll see it on TV. Or they may be out in the backyard.'

His wife Jami, a Hillary Clinton supporter, said the protest was 'democracy at its finest'.

'I'm here to witness democracy outside of our own country to see how other democratic societies express themselves,' she said.

'I think it's great. The British are pretty gentle people.'

John Rees, of the Stop The War group, described Mr Trump as a 'wrecking ball' as he addressed those gathered.

He said: 'He's a wrecking ball for race relations, he's a wrecking ball for prosperity, he's a wrecking ball for women's rights, he's a wrecking ball for any peace and justice in this world and we have to stop him.'

Some of those gathered said they planned to stay for Mr Trump's return after the First Couple dine at Blenheim Palace with Theresa May.