Donald Trump says Britain should go it alone and exit EU

Despite voicing his support for an exit, Trump was adamant that British make up their own minds

Republican, Donald Trump
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump talks with members of his staff while visiting the Chez Vachon restaurant. Photo: AP/PTI
AFPPTI Washington
Last Updated : Jun 22 2016 | 11:31 PM IST
Republican White House hopeful Donald Trump admitted on Wednesday he has not studied closely whether Britain should exit the European Union (EU) — but he weighed in anyway, saying Britain should go it alone.

"I don't think anybody should listen to me because I haven't really focused on it very much," the provocative billionaire told Fox News on an eve of a historic referendum that could see Britain become the first nation in EU history to defect from the bloc.

But he pointed to Europe's migration crisis, a lightning-rod issue that Trump routinely brings up along with US immigration policy at his campaign rallies.

"When you look at the things that are going on over there my inclination would be go it alone and go back to where you came from," he told the network.

Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, has run a populist campaign attracting voters who are fed up with Washington and the political status quo. Many also support tighter immigration rules.

Trump has scheduled a trip to Scotland to attend a ceremonial re-opening of his golf course at Turnberry on Friday.

"I'm right in the middle of it. I'll be over there just as the decision's coming in," the real estate mogul said.

Despite voicing his support for an exit, Trump was adamant that British make up their own minds.

"I want people to do what they want to do," he said.

He also insisted that the result would not help him either way.

"Getting out or staying in makes no difference to me. It doesn't have any impact on me," he said.

"I also tell people don't go with the recommendation because it's a recommendation that I make — but that's where I stand."

Trump is one of very few prominent international figures who have publicly expressed support for the United Kingdom leaving the EU.
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First Published: Jun 22 2016 | 11:07 PM IST

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