Trump's interview with Piers Morgan: Seven things we learnt about the US President

Piers Morgan kicked off Donald Trump’s first international TV interview by declaring: “I’ve missed you, Mr President”.

The controversial columnist and morning television presenter, first crossed paths with the US leader on the 2008 series of the Celebrity Apprentice in 2008 and has regularly boasted about their friendship.

But it is not thought they have seen each other much, if indeed at all, since Mr Trump entered the White House.

After Sunday night's interview on ITV, 88 per cent of people polled by the Radio Times said Morgan was not tough enough on the US President.

Critics made similar accusations on social media, with some arguing that the so-called “love-in” between Morgan and his “great friend” was uncomfortable to witness.

They also accused Morgan of failing to push Mr Trump on the important issues.

Tommy Sturtivant wrote: "The fact that Trump gave Piers Morgan an exclusive interview is a damning indictment of Piers Morgan. Trump chose him because he’s sycophantic and equally hideous."

Another called Pearly added: "For anyone who missed the #TrumpMorgan interview here's a quick summary. Two of the worst people on the planet, having one of the most ignorant conversations ever."

Nevertheless, Morgan and Mr Trump, who are both famed for their controversial and some times inflammatory views, did find time to discuss a number of issues, including Jeremy Corbyn, Brexit, fast food and the royal wedding.

​Here are some of the highlights from what they discuss:

Asked about whether he lies in bed with his phone pondering how to wind people up, Mr Trump said: “Well, perhaps sometimes in bed, perhaps sometimes at breakfast or lunch or whatever, but generally speaking during the early morning, or during the evening I can do whatever, but I am very busy during the day, very long hours. I am busy.”

The 71-year-old added: “I will sometimes just dictate out something really quickly and give it to one of my people to put it on".

Pressed about resistance to his proposed state visit by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, Mr Trump said: “I don’t know the man.”

Asked about calls to ban him from visiting the UK, he added: “Well, that’s their problem. I could very nicely stay home.”

After being asked if he received an invitation to the royal nuptials later this year, Mr Trump said: “Not that I know of”.

Rumours have abounded that the couple will rebuff Mr Trump by inviting his predecessor Barack Obama and his wife Michelle, both of whom are friends of the prince.

Asked about Markle's previous criticism of him, the US leader said: “I really want them to be happy. They look like a lovely couple”.

Asked whether he identified as a feminist, Mr Trump was definitive.

“No, I wouldn’t say I’m a feminist,” he said. “I mean, I think that would be, maybe, going too far. I’m for women, I’m for men, I’m for everyone.”

He added: “There’s nobody better than me on the military... I think women really like that. I think they want to be safe at home. I have tremendous respect for women.”

Mr Trump criticised Theresa May’s handling of her negotiations with the European Union, stating he would have taken a “tougher stand” over how Britain leaves the 27 nation bloc.

Asked if Ms May was in a “good position” regarding the ongoing Brexit talks, Mr Trump replied: “Would it be the way I negotiate? No, I wouldn’t negotiate it the way it’s [being] negotiated.

“I would have had a different attitude … I would have said that the European Union is not cracked up to what it’s supposed to be. I would have taken a tougher stand in getting out.”

Mr Trump claimed he was very popular in the UK and receives a great deal of fan mail from Britons.

Appearing to overlook calls for massive protests if he accepts Theresa May’s invite for a state visit, he said: “I think I’m very popular in your country”.

Morgan interjected with: “Let’s not be too hasty Mr President."

But the US President insisted: “I know but I believe that, I really do. I get so much fan mail from people in your country.”

Pressed about eating burgers and drinking Coca-Cola, Mr Trump said: “I eat fine food, really from some of the finest chefs in the world, I eat healthy food, I also have some of that food on occasion... I think I eat actually quite well.”