Biden and Johnson Strike Different Tones on Trade Deal in Call

U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson and U.S. President Joseph Biden struck different tones on the prospects of a trade deal between their respective countries, as Johnson became the first European leader to receive a phone call since Biden’s inauguration.

The U.K. statement on the call, which covered issues such as strengthening bilateral ties, collective defense and fighting climate change, also mentioned discussions of “the benefits of a potential free-trade deal between our two countries.” A statement released by the White House didn’t mention a discussion of trade.