It was the question that prompted Donald Trump to joke about the end of the ‘special relationship’ between the UK and the US.
BBC news political editor Laura Kuenssberg had no problem staying on-message when demanding answers of the American President and British Prime Minister Theresa May during the pair’s press conference in the United States.
“Prime Minister, you’ve talked about where you agree, but you’ve also said you’d be frank where you disagree with the President,” Kuenssberg said, before going on to press Prime Minister May on that point and also – very bluntly – quiz President Trump on some of the pledges made since his inauguration last week.
“Mr President, you’ve said before that torture works, you’ve praised Russia, you’ve said you want to ban some Muslims from coming to America, you’ve said there should be punishment for abortion,” Kuenssberg continued.
“For many people in Britain, those sound like alarming beliefs. What do you say to our viewers at home who are worried about some of your views and worried about you becoming the leader of the free world.”
"This was your choice of a question, there goes that relationship!" @POTUS reacts to Laura Kuenssberg's question https://t.co/v9jJpyT2tn
— Sky News (@SkyNews) January 27, 2017
President Trump appeared taken aback at first, before providing an answer in relation to the torture topic, saying he doesn’t “necessarily” agree with new Secretary of Defence James Mattis on the subject.
"There goes that relationship" – @POTUS @realDonaldTrump answers BBC political editor @bbclaurakhttps://t.co/hxHgwcXUco #MayTrump pic.twitter.com/9BBe9jsx6b
— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) January 27, 2017
While Kuenssberg’s line of questioning did not sit well with some of President Trump’s supporters, it was met with praise by a number of those watching from the UK.
Many felt the direct questioning was something perhaps lacking from other press conferences involving the President, whether due to the journalists involved or the influence of the new commander-in-chief.
Superb from @bbclaurak 👏
— Jamie (@JamieCutteridge) January 27, 2017
@bbclaurak good for you Laura! At least someone let him know that we do not share his values
— Emily Conquest (@ejconquest) January 27, 2017
If @bbclaurak ever wants a pint, I'm buying. Well in.
— Hush Kerai (@HushKerai) January 27, 2017
https://twitter.com/gregianjohnson/status/825097780066652160
https://twitter.com/thepigeonpost/status/825100460952604672
