Anthony Scaramucci warns of impact on UK trade as Trump wins US election
Anthony Scaramucci, former White House communications director and co-host of The Rest is Politics US, expressed concern about the impact of Donald Trump’s victory in the recent election on UK-US trade relations.
Speaking exclusively to Business Matters, Scaramucci outlined the potential challenges Britain’s small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) may face under a renewed Trump leadership.
“I think it’s a sad day for a lot of people,” Scaramucci said. “The rhetoric used during the campaign was ‘compared to them’, especially in relation to non-white immigrants in the United States. I hope that as he takes up the mantle of leadership again, he sees the need for unity and healing in the country.”
Trump won another four-year term in the White House on Wednesday, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. Scaramucci, who served briefly under Trump in 2017 before becoming an outspoken critic, acknowledged the effectiveness of the Trump campaign.
“He won the popular vote; it’s a democracy,” Scaramucci said. “He is my president, he is your president, and I wish him the best. But I am worried. If he talks about the words that come out of his campaign, it may benefit some but it won’t be good for all of America.”
Implications for UK SMEs
When asked about the potential impact on UK SMEs exporting to the US, particularly in light of Trump’s proposed tariffs, Scaramucci suggested that the UK might get better treatment.
“I think he likes the UK,” Scaramucci said. “He has pictures with the Queen and has always loved the royal family. Her mother was a working-class woman from Scotland, so the UK has its own importance to her. 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. Lightizer believes that the US was used in previous agreements. His approach will be aggressive and can be harsh. It is important to understand where they are coming from, as explained 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 operation of the Democratic Party on the US Election Hub and the role of former President Joe Biden in the defeat of Vice President Harris:
“The number one reason he lost was Joe Biden,” he said. “You cannot 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 that he made him fail.”
He continued: “Because of his age and the idea that his time is running out, he could not properly respond to Trump’s speech. Trump took part in this, strengthening his position. Ironically, Joe Biden, who opposed the MAGA movement, may have unwittingly fueled it. ”
Looking Forward
Scaramucci expressed concern about the future direction of the Trump administration. “He knows who he wants in his cabinet and can avoid appointing moderate Republicans. He will put the extremists in place. Ironically, Joe Biden’s actions may have created more challenges for those who oppose Trump’s agenda.
As UK businesses navigate this new political environment, the potential for changes to trade policy under the Trump administration remains an important consideration. SMEs exporting to the US should stay informed about policy developments, especially regarding tariffs and trade agreements, in order to reduce risks and identify opportunities in the developing US market.
