Trump Reacts to UK PM Starmer's Resignation, Criticizes Energy and Iran Policies
US President Donald Trump commented on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s resignation, calling him a “lovely man” but blaming his failures on energy policies (banning new North Sea oil drilling) and refusal to let US use UK bases for offensive Iran strikes. Trump had predicted the resignation on social media a day prior. Incoming PM Andy Burnham was also criticized by Trump as “extremely liberal,” signaling ongoing tensions over energy and foreign policy.
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Andy Burnham on Collision Course with Donald Trump Over North Sea Oil Policy
Incoming UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is already facing a potential diplomatic clash with US President Donald Trump over North Sea oil policy. Burnham, set to replace Keir Starmer, has hinted at allowing more oil and gas extraction from the North Sea to tackle the cost of living crisis, but insists he will not break Labour's manifesto pledge blocking new exploration licences. Trump, in a Truth Social post, claimed Burnham would 'open up' the North Sea, praising the move and criticizing Starmer's previous refusal to allow new fields. Trump also alleged the UK would move wind turbines near Aberdeen. The article notes that Starmer's approach to the North Sea was a key factor in the collapse of his relations with Trump, suggesting a similar dynamic may emerge with Burnham.
HuffPost UK - Athena2 - All Entries (Public)Trump Claims Starmer's Resignation Linked to UK Refusal to Join Iran War
US President Donald Trump suggested that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's decision to resign was due to his unpopular refusal to involve Britain in the Iran war. Starmer announced his resignation last month after losing support from Labour MPs, with his successor expected to be Andy Burnham, who will take office on July 20. Speaking at a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, Trump accused NATO allies of failing to back the US in Iran, specifically criticizing Starmer for denying American jets use of RAF bases for offensive strikes and rejecting a request to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz. However, polls indicate Starmer actually gained popularity among British voters for his stance, while trust in the US declined. Trump also renewed complaints about NATO defense spending, noting the UK's plan to spend 4.2% of GDP on defense by 2035 falls short of the 5% NATO pledge. Starmer remains in office until the transition in July.
HuffPost UK - Athena2 - All Entries (Public)Trump Calls UK PM-Elect Burnham 'Extremely Liberal', Signals Tensions Over North Sea Oil
US President Donald Trump has publicly criticized incoming British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, describing him as 'extremely liberal' and dismissing him as 'the mayor of a town.' The remarks, made at the White House, mark Trump's first comments on Burnham since it became clear he would replace Keir Starmer. Trump specifically criticized Burnham's likely stance on North Sea oil exploration, arguing the UK should open up drilling to match Norway's economic success. The article notes that Trump and Starmer eventually fell out over the Iran war, and Burnham had previously warned against the 'polarised, poisonous politics' of America, suggesting continued rocky relations between the two governments.
HuffPost UK - Athena2 - All Entries (Public)Trump Criticises Keir Starmer as 'Lovely Man' Who 'Hurt Himself' After UK PM Resigns
Former US President Donald Trump responded to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's resignation, calling him a 'lovely man' but criticizing his policies on energy and NATO. Trump claimed Starmer hurt himself politically by blocking new North Sea oil drilling, allowing Norway to exploit the resource, and by initially refusing US use of UK bases for strikes on Iran. Trump had accurately predicted Starmer's resignation on social media one day prior. The article also notes that Starmer later permitted limited defensive strikes on Iran, but no other NATO ally supported Trump's offensive campaign. Trump has previously compared Starmer unfavorably to Winston Churchill and Neville Chamberlain over the Iran dispute.
HuffPost UK - Athena2 - All Entries (Public)Trump Criticises Keir Starmer Yet Again After Resigning As Prime Minister
Former US President Donald Trump commented on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's resignation, calling him a 'lovely man' but criticizing his policies. Trump attacked Labour's energy policy, specifically the ban on new North Sea oil drilling, and claimed the UK buys energy from Norway which extracts oil from the same sea. He also criticized Starmer for refusing to let the US use UK military bases for offensive strikes on Iran, saying this 'hurt him badly.' The article notes Starmer only permitted limited defensive strikes, and no other NATO ally assisted Trump's Iran operations. Trump has previously compared Starmer unfavorably to Winston Churchill and Neville Chamberlain over the dispute.
HuffPost UK - Athena2 - All Entries (Public)Trump Reacts to Starmer's Resignation, Calls Him a 'Lovely Man' Who 'Hurt Himself'
US President Donald Trump reacted to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's resignation, describing him as a 'lovely man' who 'really hurt himself.' In remarks to reporters, Trump criticized Labour's energy policies, particularly the ban on new North Sea oil exploration, arguing the UK relies on Norwegian oil from the same region. Trump also brought up a previous dispute where Starmer refused to let the US use UK bases for offensive strikes on Iran, calling it a 'bad move' that 'hurt him badly.' The article notes that Trump had bizarrely predicted Starmer's resignation on social media a day before it happened. Trump has previously derided Starmer by comparing him to Neville Chamberlain and saying he is no Winston Churchill. The article contextualizes Trump's criticism with factual notes that existing North Sea drilling is allowed and that extracted oil is sold on international markets as UK refineries cannot process it.
HuffPost UK - Athena2 - All Entries (Public)Trump Claims UK Prime Minister Starmer Will Resign Over Immigration and Energy Policy Failures
President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to resign, citing failures on immigration and energy policy. Trump specifically mentioned the UK's refusal to drill for oil in the North Sea as a key shortcoming. The claim was posted by Trump on social media, expressing that Starmer 'failed badly' and wished him well. The article, published by The Hill, presents Trump's assertion as a direct statement without additional comment from UK officials, reflecting a politically charged foreign criticism.
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