Who does he think he is, the USA won't negotiate trade with him
It's all part of the charade. He plays up his friendship with Trump, the BP put together their 'delegation' and fly it over to the US where both sides start talking about all the things they agree on and how great the deal they've agreed in principle is, if only the Government could just get rid of the EU 'shackles'. Meanwhile the actual grown ups (ymmv) dealing with real life continue to be unable to break the Brexit deadlock.
After that, in the eyes of the greater unwashed electorate, Westminster becomes this even more arcane institution where nothing gets done or decided. I'm not even sure Frottage wants Brexit to happen now, as he's making such huge political capital out of its delay. An extension past October would further shore up the BP vote, if a GE were to go ahead.