US president Donald Trump has claimed he receives “so much fan mail” from Britons as he dismissed calls for protests during his upcoming state visit.
In a wide-ranging interview with Piers Morgan on ITV, Mr Trump was questioned over anger about the invitation extended to him by Prime Minister Theresa May on behalf of the Queen.
Mr Trump said: “I think I’m very popular in your country.”
Morgan interjects: “Let’s not be too hasty Mr President.”
Mr Trump went on: “I know but I believe that, I really do. I get so much fan mail from people in your country.
“They love my sense of security, they love what I’m saying about many different things.
“We get tremendous support from people in the UK.”
Asked about opposition to his state visit by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, Mr Trump is quick to say “I don’t know the man”.
As for calls to ban him from visiting the country, he added: “Well, that’s their problem – I could very nicely stay home.”
Mr Trump claimed Mrs May invited him to the UK twice this year during their meeting at the Swiss ski resort.
Downing Street did not confirm the Mail on Sunday’s claim that an informal visit in July would be followed by a state visit in October.
A Number 10 source said: “An invitation has been extended and accepted, and details will be set out in due course.”