The British Prime Minister, Labor Keir Starmer, recently visited Donald Trump at the White House, marking the second European leader to do so this week to discuss the future of Ukraine. True to his reputation as a “hard negotiator,” Trump maintained the same tone he had with French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, who visited earlier in the week.
During a joint press conference with Starmer, Trump acknowledged their conversations, saying, “You have been great in our conversations. However, you are a very hard negotiator. I am not sure that I like it, but it is fine.” He also emphasized the special relationship between the US and the UK, stating, “USA and the United Kingdom have a special, very special relationship, really like no other, transmitted throughout the centuries. And let’s keep it like this. We are going to keep it very strong, as it is.”
When asked about potential US support for British troops in Ukraine, Trump replied, “I have always thought that the British do not need much help.” However, he assured, “If they need help, I will always be with the British.” Since Trump’s arrival at the White House, the gap between the US and its European allies has widened significantly, with tensions rising over issues like Ukraine, Russia, Gaza, and international trade.
The US has imposed 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum from Europe, which Trump claims is a response to the EU’s “unfair” treatment of the US. Starmer requested a British exemption from these rates, citing the devastating impact on the British steel industry. Another point of contention is the Trump administration’s approach to Russia, particularly the recent meeting between US and Russian officials to negotiate peace in Ukraine without the participation of Kyiv or European neighbors.
Trump expressed confidence in Vladimir Putin, stating, “I think he will fulfill his word.” He also defended the idea that Europe should reimburse the US for financial and military aid given to Ukraine, a notion quickly corrected by Starmer. The British Prime Minister announced an increase in defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, the largest increase since the end of the Cold War, which will be financed by reducing the international aid budget.
Starmer hopes this move will strengthen ties with Trump and demonstrate the UK’s commitment to European security. He framed the Ukrainian conflict as an existential risk to global security, including that of the US, emphasizing, “There can be no peace that rewards the aggressor.” Starmer also tried to deter Trump from his plan for the Gaza Strip, reaffirming British support for a two-state solution that guarantees Palestinian rights.
The meeting was preceded by rhetoric that exacerbated differences between the two administrations, including a speech by US Vice President JD Vance at the Munich Security Conference, which generated strong criticism. Starmer responded to Vance’s comment about “violations of freedom of expression” in the UK, saying, “We have had freedom of expression for a long time in the United Kingdom. I am very proud of that.”
Despite these clashes, the two leaders found common ground on issues like Brexit. Starmer’s stability and long-term mandate may make him a reliable partner for Trump in the international scene. The UK also leveraged Trump’s affinity with the British monarchy, with King Carlos III inviting him to a state visit and allowing him to visit Scotland, where he has roots and owns golf courses.
As Starmer thanked Trump for accepting the invitation, he said, “It’s a pleasure to see that the United Kingdom has a friend at home.” However, beyond diplomatic gestures, the meeting represented a crucial moment for international relations, with an American president who has demonstrated a transactional vision of foreign policy.