Trump Criticized Starmer's Policies as 'Stupid' During UK Visit, Aide Reveals

Former White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has revealed that former President Donald Trump privately criticized then-Prime Minister Keir Starmer's policies as "stupid" during a visit to Britain last year. Leavitt recounted that Trump urged Starmer to "close your borders" and "deport these people you have in your country," claiming the British public "hate what you're doing."

These remarks were made during a lunch at Chequers, the British prime minister's country residence, and followed Trump's public comments suggesting Starmer was too harsh on Russia regarding its invasion of Ukraine. Leavitt shared the anecdote on the "Hang Out With Sean Hannity" podcast.

Trump had previously stated that relations between the U.S. and the UK were improving under Prime Minister Andy Burnham, contrasting them with his relationship with Starmer. Trump met with Burnham on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, describing their discussion as productive and praising Burnham as a "natural business person."

Leavitt indicated that Trump's critical stance on Starmer's policies, particularly concerning immigration, was consistent in both public and private settings during his UK visit.

Leavitt elaborated on Trump's assessment, stating, "I know your country, I know your people, they hate what you're doing."

Despite Trump's positive remarks about Burnham, the two leaders reportedly had differences on issues such as artificial intelligence regulation and the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, which include the strategic U.S.-U.K. military base Diego Garcia. Trump maintained that relations between the U.S. and Britain were strong, stating they were "more up now than they were with your last prime minister."