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Anthony Scaramucci, former White House communications director and co-host of The Rest is Politics US, has expressed concern about the impact of Donald Trump’s recent election victory on trade relations between Britain and the US.
Speaking exclusively to Business Matters, Scaramucci reflected on the potential challenges that Britain’s small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) could face under Trump’s renewed leadership.
“I think it’s a sad day for a lot of people,” Scaramucci said. “The rhetoric used during the campaign was very ‘us versus them,’ especially regarding non-white immigrants in the United States. I hope that as he once again assumes the mantle of leadership, he considers the need for unity and healing in the country.”
Trump secured another four-year term in the White House on Wednesday, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. Scaramucci, who briefly served under Trump in 2017 before becoming a vocal critic, acknowledged the effectiveness of Trump’s campaign.
“He won the popular vote; it is a democracy,” Scaramucci noted. “He’s my president, he’s your president, and I wish him the best. But I’m worried. If he carries out the rhetoric of his campaign, it may benefit some, but it will not be good for all of America.”
Implications for British SMEs
When asked about the potential impact on British SMEs exporting to the US, especially in light of Trump’s proposed tariffs, Scaramucci suggested the UK may receive favorable treatment.
“I think he loves Britain,” Scaramucci said. “He has photos with the Queen and has always loved the Royal Family. His mother was a working-class woman from Scotland, so Britain has personal meaning for him. He wants to maintain a good relationship.”
However, Scaramucci emphasized the role of Robert Lighthizer, who is expected to be the architect of Trump’s trade policy. “Lighthizer believes the US has been abused in previous trade deals. His approach will be aggressive and can be rough. It is important to understand where they come from, as outlined in his book No Trade Is Free: Changing Course, Taking on China, and Helping America’s Workers.”
Criticism of Joe Biden
Scaramucci also commented on the Democratic Party’s actions toward the Democratic Party US Election Hub and former President Joe Biden’s role in Vice President Harris’ defeat:
“The main reason she lost was Joe Biden,” he said. “You can’t put someone in that position with only 105 days to campaign. There is a lot of frustration among women in the Democratic Party. They feel like he set her up to fail.”
He continued: “Because of his age and the perception that his time was coming to an end, he was unable to respond effectively to Trump’s amplified rhetoric. Trump took advantage of this and strengthened his position. Ironically, Joe Biden, who opposed the MAGA movement, may have inadvertently fueled it.”
Looking ahead
Scaramucci expressed concern about the future direction of the Trump administration. “He knows who he wants in his Cabinet and will probably avoid appointing moderate Republicans. He is going to put extremists in their place. The irony is that Joe Biden’s actions may have created more challenges for those who oppose Trump’s agenda.”
As UK businesses navigate this new political landscape, the potential for changes in trade policy under the Trump administration remains a critical consideration. SMEs exporting to the US must stay abreast of policy developments, especially regarding tariffs and trade agreements, to mitigate risks and identify opportunities in the evolving US market.