Donald Trump has publicly criticised the UK, targeting Sir Keir Starmer for what he claims is London’s slow response to the conflict in Iran.
On Wednesday morning, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to label the UK and other allies as “non-responsive” during the ongoing war, with the Prime Minister facing particular scrutiny.
The former US president expressed his disappointment over Sir Keir’s initial refusal to deploy aircraft carriers to the Gulf.
This marks another sharp attack from Trump, who has consistently condemned European allies for not supporting US military operations in the Middle East.
In a recent statement, he described the UK’s response as “lagging behind” and asserted that the nation has not met its historical obligations.
Analysts warn that this exchange could strain UK-US relations at a delicate time, as both countries deal with the fallout from the conflict in Iran and its global economic and security repercussions.
On Wednesday Trump wrote on Truth Social: He wrote: “I wonder what would happen if we ‘finished off’ what’s left of the Iranian Terror State, and let the countries that use it, we don’t, be responsible for the so called ‘Strait?
“That would get some of our non-responsive ‘Allies’ in gear, and fast!!! President DJT.”
On Tuesday, Trump was asked in the White House if the relationship has been damaged now Starmer is the Prime Minister and his failure to provide military support.
Trump replied: “Well, he hasn’t been supportive, and I think it’s a big mistake. You know, they make a lot of money on trade with the United States. I went out of my way [to make a trade deal].”
“We made a good deal for them and, frankly, probably wasn’t appreciated.”
Blasting Starmer Trump said the special relationship with the UK was “always the best until Keir came along.
“I like him… he’s a very nice man with a beautiful family, everything’s perfect,” he added.
Trump then stated: “I just said ‘you don’t have to send me aircraft carriers, send me a couple of minesweepers, we don’t need your aircraft carriers‘, but even the aircraft carriers, he would only send them after we essentially won.
“He’s sending them when there are no planes left, when the missiles are down to 8%.”
A spokesperson for Downing Street declined to comment on Trump’s recent remarks but emphasised that the UK remains committed to diplomatic engagement and regional security in collaboration with international partners.
