Trump on Brexit: Britain ‘Declared Their Independence From the European Union’

Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump praised the people of Britain for voting to leave the European Union in a statement Friday.

Trump said, “The people of the United Kingdom have exercised the sacred right of all free peoples.”

Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump delivers a speech as he officially opens his Trump Turnberry hotel and golf resort in Turnberry, Scotland, Friday. Trump hailed Britain's vote to leave the EU as "fantastic" shortly after arriving in Scotland for his first international trip since becoming the presumptive Republican presidential nominee. (Oli Scarff/AFP/Getty Images)

“They have declared their independence from the European Union and have voted to reassert control over their own politics, borders and economy,” he said. “A Trump administration pledges to strengthen our ties with a free and independent Britain, deepening our bonds in commerce, culture and mutual defense. The whole world is more peaceful and stable when our two countries — and our two peoples — are united together, as they will be under a Trump administration.”

“Come November, the American people will have the chance to re-declare their independence,” Trump continued. “Americans will have a chance to vote for trade, immigration and foreign policies that put our citizens first. They will have the chance to reject today’s rule by the global elite, and to embrace real change that delivers a government of, by and for the people. I hope America is watching, it will soon be time to believe in America again.”

Britain’s divisive referendum was decided in a narrow vote, with 52 percent of voters opting to leave the EU. The U.K. will be the first major country to leave the EU, which was established as an effort to create bonds between European nations in the aftermath of World War II.

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