Key facts
- Donald Trump criticized outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
- Trump cited Starmer's handling of energy, immigration, and relations with Washington as reasons for his departure.
- Trump specifically mentioned Starmer's approach to North Sea oil and environmental concerns.
- Trump also noted Starmer's perceived lack of support on NATO and the Iran war.
- Trump expressed disappointment over the delay in using British military bases in Cyprus for strikes in Iran.
US President Donald Trump criticized outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday, stating that Starmer had "really hurt himself" regarding energy policy, immigration, and relations with Washington.
Speaking to reporters, Trump pointed to Starmer's handling of Britain's energy policy, specifically mentioning the failure to exploit North Sea oil due to environmental concerns and the prevalence of windmills. Trump noted that the UK imports much of its energy from Norway, which he contrasted with the potential of the North Sea.
Trump, who had predicted Starmer's resignation on Truth Social, described the British leader as "sort of a friend" but criticized his stance on NATO and the Iran war. He specifically mentioned disappointment over the delay in approving the use of RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus for strikes against Iranian targets, calling it a "bad move" that "hurt him badly."
Despite wishing Starmer well, Trump reiterated that energy and immigration were the primary issues that had "hurt himself very, very badly."