Donald Trump welcomed the United Kingdom’s vote to leave the European Union, calling it Friday a declaration of independence and likening it to the opportunity Americans will have in November to vote for him.
“Come November, the American people will have the chance to re-declare their independence,” Trump said in a statement from Scotland, where he is opening one of his luxury golf courses.
Trump’s response was one of the first responses from American leaders waking up to the Brexit news, which will undoubtedly have far reaching economic and geopolitical side effects for one of the U.S.’s closest allies.
Vice President Joe Biden, speaking in Ireland where he is making an official visit, expressed the administration’s regret about the vote but assured Britons that the bond between their two countries would remain strong.
“I must say we had looked for a different outcome,” Biden said, speaking in Dublin. “We preferred a different outcome and I imagine may of you here felt the same way. But the United States — having a longstanding friendship with the United Kingdom, one of the world’s greatest Democracies — we fully respect the decision they have made.”
House Speaker Paul Ryan, a Wisconsin Republican, also reaffirmed the close UK-U.S. alliance. “I respect the decision made by the people of the United Kingdom,” he said in a statement, adding that the two countries’ “special relationship is unaffected by this vote.”
Trump, who referred to the Brexit as “fantastic” shortly after landing in Scotland, also tweeted that he had “just arrived in Scotland. Place is going wild over the vote. They took their country back, just like we will take America back. No games!”
His comments came as Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced Scotland would hold another referendum to stay within the EU, citing the economic benefits to the partnership.
The Brexit vote, expected to be close, came with 51.89% voting to leave and 48.11% calling on their country to stay within the 28-member group of countries.
British Prime Minister David Cameron, who fought hard for a “remain” vote, announced that he would step down while European markets, skittish for weeks about the prospect of a “leave,” started sliding in reaction.
Trump cast the potential economic turmoil as positive. “If the pound goes down, they’ll do more business,” he said at his Turnberry golf resort. “I think places like Scotland and England, I think you’re going to see a lot of activity. I think it could well turn out to be a positive. What is known is that they’ve taken back their independence. I thought this would be a good thing. Some don’t like (it) and some do like it.”
Early analysis found that northern Britain tipped the vote, driven by frustration over immigration and a sense that they lack control over their own destiny, with decisions being made in a remote capital — Brussels.
Trump has echoed those themes in his campaign and in his statement Friday, drawing a direct parallel to the issues driving U.S. voters.
“Americans will have a chance to vote for trade, immigration and foreign policies that put our citizens first,” he said.
“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,” Trump added. “I hope America is watching, it will soon be time to believe in America again.”