Keir Starmer on Donald Trump
Keir Starmer, as Prime Minister, has approached relations with Donald Trump with a pragmatic focus on maintaining the Special Relationship between the UK and the US. Following Trump's election victory in 2024, Starmer promptly congratulated him and emphasized that the close ties between the two nations would continue to thrive under the new leadership. This engagement appears rooted in necessity, ensuring continuity on key foreign policy fronts like support for Ukraine and potential trade deals.
Prior to Trump's inauguration as President, Starmer demonstrated a capacity for engagement even following the attempted assassination in 2024, expressing solidarity against political violence while extending best wishes. Starmer met with Trump at Trump Tower in September 2024, describing the meeting as productive for establishing a working relationship. The overall approach reflects a professional necessity to work with the incumbent US administration, regardless of political divergence on domestic or ideological grounds.
Starmer's diplomacy with Trump is framed within his broader foreign policy agenda, which prioritizes multilateral alliances like NATO and sustained support for Ukraine. Meetings and communications have focused on these shared international security concerns, suggesting that while ideological differences may exist, the strategic partnership remains paramount for Starmer's government. The commitment to a constructive, if perhaps cautious, relationship with a Trump administration is a defining feature of Starmer's early premiership in foreign affairs.
Context
As the incumbent Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer's stance on the US President is critical for UK foreign policy, trade, and security cooperation. The relationship between the UK and US is often termed the Special Relationship, making engagement with the current US leader a core responsibility for any British Prime Minister.
This relationship is particularly significant given Starmer's strong commitment to continued support for Ukraine in the Russo-Ukrainian war and the necessity of US alignment on global security challenges. Starmer previously signaled a willingness to work with Trump's administration on shared defence objectives, such as increasing UK defence spending to the NATO target.
Timeline
- Starmer reacted to the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, posting on Twitter to condemn political violence and wish Trump and his family well.
- Starmer met with Donald Trump at Trump Tower in New York City following the US election but before the inauguration.
- Following Trump's victory in the 2024 US Presidential Election, Starmer called to formally congratulate him.
- Starmer met with President Trump at the White House to discuss continued support for Ukraine and a potential trade deal, and delivered an invitation for a state visit.
Actions Taken
- Diplomatic meetingMet with Donald Trump at Trump Tower to establish a working relationship ahead of the US inauguration.
- Official communicationTelephoned Donald Trump to formally congratulate him on his 2024 election victory, assuring him of the continuation of the 'special relationship'.
- Bilateral meetingMet with President Trump at the White House to discuss continued support for Ukraine, potential peace deals, and a trade deal.
Key Quotes
Political violence in any form has no place in our societies
good to have met with Trump and that the meeting was an opportunity for both Trump and Starmer to establish a working relationship.
the 'special relationship' between the United Kingdom and United States 'would continue to thrive'.
Sources5
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.