Keir Starmer doing “very good job,” says Donald Trump

Keir Starmer doing very good job, says Donald Trump
Credit: Mark Schiefelbein/AP

US (Parliament Politics Magazine) – US President Donald Trump praised UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership and called him a “very good person” ahead of their scheduled call.

The newly inaugurated US president, Donald Trump, during a press briefing on Air Force One, remarked that he and the British PM, Keir Starmer, ‘get along well’ despite holding differing political stances.

As reported by The Guardian, both political leaders are scheduled to have a call within the next 24 hours.

The US president, who took charge of the White House on January 20, and the UK Prime Minister have met multiple times, including a notable visit by Sir Keir to Trump Tower in New York during the presidential campaign.

What did the newly elected President Trump say about Keir Starmer?

Mr Trump remarked about Keir Starmer, stating,

“He’s liberal, which is a bit different from me, but I think he’s a very good person and I think he’s done a very good job thus far.”

He added,

“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.”

After addressing a question about the first international trip of his second term, Trump was inquired about his ties with Sir Keir.

Newly elected president said,

“It could be Saudi Arabia; it could be UK. Traditionally it could be UK,”

adding,

“Last time I went to Saudi Arabia because they agreed to buy $450 billion of American United States merchandise.”

When did Keir Starmer and Donald Trump last speak, and what did the UK Foreign Secretary say about Sir Keir’s visit to the US?

Sir Keir and Trump called after Trump’s re-election in November. At that time, Number 10 confirmed that both leaders agreed the relationship between the UK and the US was ‘incredibly strong’ and would “continue to thrive.”

Foreign Secretary David Lammy, commenting before Trump’s inauguration on January 19, confirmed that the PM would arrange a meeting soon after the new president took office.

In 2018, Mr. Lammy was a critic of Trump, calling him a “tyrant” and “a woman-hating, neo-Nazi-sympathizing sociopath.” He now described this backlash as “old news.” 

What was the Keir Starmer stance on building ties with Trump in the past?

The British PM has previously dismissed the idea that Britain needs to choose between the US and Europe, asserting that it is in the national interest to engage with both countries.

In December 2024, Sir Keir Starmer stated that the UK would never turn its back on its connection with the United States, despite potential hurdles from the new administration, but stressing that their partnership had been a ‘cornerstone’ of security and prosperity for more than 100 years.

Why is Elon Musk, a Trump ally, attacking Keir Starmer?

Earlier this month, Tesla owner and adviser to President Trump, Elon Musk, made headlines due to his criticism of Labour leader Keir Starmer and his safeguarding minister for the public inquiry into the grooming gangs scandal, claiming he exchanged votes for mass rapes.

Sir Keir, the former director of public prosecutions from 2008 to 2013, hit back at the X owner’s accusation, dismissing the backlash as “lies and misinformation” and insisting that he handled the prosecutions “directly.”

Mr. Musk has been very supportive of the Reform UK party. In December 2024, rumours spread that he was planning to donate $100 million to support the Reform Party, but later, Nigel Farage rejected this claim.

Will Starmer and Trump overcome their contrasting styles?

As Sir Keir Starmer and President Donald Trump plan for meetings in the future, questions arise about their differing political styles. Sir Starmer, known for his rule-based approach, contrasts with Trump’s unconventional methods. 

Despite this, both sides may find common ground in areas like investment opportunities, defence, and the war in Ukraine. Their ability to cooperate will depend on balancing Starmer’s principles with Trump’s “America First” agenda and handling major issues like tariffs and defence spending.

Beth Malcolm

Beth Malcolm is Scottish based Journalist at Heriot-Watt University studying French and British Sign Language. She is originally from the north west of England but is living in Edinburgh to complete her studies.