Donald Trump says he "feels badly" about Theresa May resigning as Prime Minister - but he added that it was "for the good of her country."
Speaking outside the White House ahead of a visit to Japan, he told reporters: "I feel badly for Theresa, I like her very much. She worked very hard, she’s very strong.
"She decided to do something that some people were surprised at, some people weren’t. It’s for the good of her country."
He added: "But I like her very much. In fact, I’ll be seeing her in two weeks."
One of Mrs May's last acts in office will be to take part in President Trump's state visit to the UK.
But one Cabinet minister fears the US President will throw a hand grenade into the Tory leadership race - by endorsing Boris Johnson on his State Visit.
Trump could also deal Tories a blow amid political turmoil by endorsing Nigel Farage, the minister warned.
“You can imagine him saying 'I could do a deal with these guys’,” the Cabinet minister told the Mirror.
The three-day trip starts on Monday June 3 and ends on Wednesday June 5.
During the trip, on which his adult children is expected to accompany him, he will enjoy a private lunch with the Queen.
He'll also take part in a joint press conference with Theresa May in Number 10 on Tuesday June 4.
