US President Donald Trump has lauded UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's performance, stating that he has done a "very good job thus far." Trump expressed his admiration during an
interview with the BBC aboard Air Force One, adding that the two leaders maintain a "very good relationship."
The president revealed plans to speak with Sir Keir within the next 24 hours, emphasizing their ongoing communication. The two have met on several occasions, including a visit by Sir Keir to Trump Tower during Trump's presidential campaign.
Contrasting Views, Mutual Respect
While the two leaders differ ideologically—Trump described Starmer as "liberal"—the US president spoke warmly of the UK prime minister. "I get along with him well. I like him a lot," Trump said. "He's represented his country in terms of philosophy. I may not agree with his philosophy, but I have a very good relationship with him."
Trump's remarks come amid ongoing diplomatic challenges and significant international policy discussions between the two nations.
Diplomatic Visits and Challenges
When asked about his potential first international visit if re-elected, Trump suggested the UK could be a destination. "It could be Saudi Arabia, it could be the UK. Traditionally, it could be UK," he noted, referencing his earlier visit to Saudi Arabia during his first term.
Sir Keir and Trump previously spoke by phone following the latter’s re-election, affirming the strong ties between their nations. Downing Street described the UK-US relationship as "incredibly strong" and likely to "continue to thrive." Foreign Secretary David Lammy has confirmed that Sir Keir plans to visit Washington for talks with Trump in the coming weeks.
Trade, Security, and Diplomacy
Key issues on the horizon include potential US trade tariffs and Trump's controversial stance on reducing support for Ukraine. Another point of contention is the UK's proposed deal regarding sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, home to a joint US-UK military base.
The nomination of former Labour minister Lord Peter Mandelson as British ambassador to Washington has also raised eyebrows. Trump campaign co-manager Chris LaCivita recently called Lord Mandelson "an absolute moron," further complicating diplomatic dynamics.
Musk's Criticism of Starmer
Meanwhile, tech billionaire and Trump ally Elon Musk has been an outspoken critic of Sir Keir. Musk accused the prime minister of complicity in the UK grooming gangs scandal, claiming Starmer prioritized political interests over justice. In response, Starmer, who served as director of public prosecutions from 2008 to 2013, dismissed these allegations as "lies and misinformation," defending his record of tackling such issues.
Changing Relationships
Foreign Secretary David Lammy has also faced scrutiny for past remarks about Trump. In 2018, Lammy called Trump a "tyrant" and a "woman-hating, neo-Nazi-sympathising sociopath." However, Lammy has since downplayed those comments as "old news" and has dined with Trump alongside Sir Keir.
As diplomatic relations continue to evolve, both Trump and Starmer appear intent on maintaining a constructive dialogue, despite differences in philosophy and external pressures. Photo by Prime Minister’s Office, Wikimedia commons.