Trump Grants King Charles' Final Wish, Removes Scotch Whisky Tariffs
Donald Trump has granted his new best friend King Charles' final wish as the pair bid adieu in Washington. The US President announced he is removing tariffs on Scotch whisky to mark the end of the White House visit by Charles III and Queen Camilla, telling reporters: 'He's a great king. The greatest king in my book.'
'The King and Queen got me to do something that nobody else was able to do, without hardly even asking!' Trump posted on social media later. Trump said people had wanted this change, especially with regard to the wooden barrels in which the spirits of Scotch and bourbon can be aged.
'I will be removing the Tariffs and Restrictions on Whiskey having to do with Scotland's ability to work with the Commonwealth of Kentucky on Whiskey and Bourbon,' Trump said. 'A wonderful Honor to have them both in the U.S.A. President DONALD J. TRUMP.'
In a statement Buckingham Palace said: 'The King has been informed of President Trump's warm gesture and sends his sincere gratitude for a decision that will make an important difference to the British whisky industry and the livelihoods it supports. His Majesty will be raising a dram to the President's thoughtfulness and generous hospitality as he departs the US after a most enjoyable State Visit for both Their Majesties in this special anniversary year.'
The Trump administration in 2025 reached a trade framework that put a 10% tax on most goods imported from the UK. Mr Trump's previous 25% Scotch tariff between 2019 and 2021 resulted in the sector losing more than £600 million, or £1 million a day, the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) said. The trade body estimates the current 10% tariffs are costing whisky firms £3 million in lost exports each week.
The president, answering questions from reporters in the Oval Office, said the tariffs were lifted to specifically enhance the trade of barrels between Scotland and Kentucky, which produces almost all of the world's bourbon. The barrels are used to age the alcohol. 'I just took all the restrictions off so Scotland and Kentucky can start dealing again,' said Trump, who added that he's 'not a big drinker.'
Business and trade secretary Peter Kyle said: 'This is great news for our Scotch whisky industry, which is worth almost £1 billion in exports and supports thousands of jobs across the UK. I have been advocating for lower tariffs on key exports like whisky to protect vital jobs and iconic British brands while strengthening our relationship with the US.'
The deal closes out a largely successful trip to the US for the King and Queen. As the foursome posed for a picture in front of the gathered media, Mr Trump pointed at Charles and told the press: 'He's a great king. The greatest king in my book.' The president has heaped praise on 'fantastic' Charles and the UK's historical ties with the US throughout the four-day state visit and at one point was photographed affectionately touching the King's knee.
Mr Trump claimed during Tuesday's state dinner speech that Charles had agreed with him on the need to prevent Tehran getting a nuclear bomb. And the following day in the Oval Office the president said the King 'would have probably helped' the US in its military offensive against Iran.
During the photocall reporters seized on a quiet moment to call out questions to the King, who looked hesitant. When one reporter asked 'Your Majesty, what do you think of the Trump renaissance here in DC, all the improvements?' Charles smiled as he said 'Ah, we'll see.' When the reporter asked the King what his favourite part of the visit was, Mr Trump stepped in to defend his new BFF and said: 'We'll talk later.'
