Donald Trump spoke with United Kingdom Prime Minister Andy Burnham in a phone call less than an hour after Burnham assumed office, expressing his well wishes and discussing a range of bilateral topics.
Trump described the conversation as "very good" and stated that the two leaders would meet "in the not too distant future." He conveyed "good luck and Godspeed" to Burnham, while also noting that the new Prime Minister has "a big job ahead of him." The former president indicated that the United States would be available to assist.
During the call, they touched upon subjects including North Sea oil, trade, military alliances, and the demining of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump shared his account of the conversation on social media, highlighting the "outstanding relationship" between the U.S. and the UK.
A spokesperson for the Prime Minister's office confirmed the call, adding that Burnham had congratulated Trump on the World Cup and extended an invitation to visit Manchester. The Prime Minister also reiterated the UK's commitment to defense and security, emphasizing its importance for the UK and its allies.
Burnham, who has been critical of Trump in the past, calling for the cancellation of a planned state visit in 2019 and criticizing "extreme views emanating from the Oval Office," engaged in statesmanship on his first day in office. He also made calls to other world leaders, including Ukrainian President Zelensky and French President Macron, to reaffirm alliances and commitments.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Burnham moved to consolidate his position by appointing a new Cabinet filled with allies. Key appointments included John Healey as Chancellor, Ed Miliband as Foreign Secretary, and Shabana Mahmood retaining her role as Home Secretary. Wes Streeting was named Defence Secretary, and Angela Rayner returned to the Cabinet as Housing Secretary. Several figures from the previous government, including those loyal to former leader Keir Starmer, were removed or demoted.
