Trump Expresses Optimism After Meeting with Prime Minister Burnham

President Donald Trump characterized British Prime Minister Andy Burnham as a "natural business person" following their private meeting at the United Nations, expressing optimism about their discussions.

"I think he gets it. He understands what he has to do," Trump said, noting that he and Burnham had spoken numerous times by phone prior to the encounter. The president's remarks, delivered in a room filled with reporters, suggested a warmth and willingness to engage, even with a leader from a different political party.

Prime Minister Burnham, who was a mayor just months prior to the meeting, acknowledged a degree of initial nervousness, aware of the potential for unpredictable exchanges with the U.S. president. However, he described the meeting as "very encouraging" and stated that "we've established a good connection."

The private talks were followed by a brief, public portion where journalists were invited to ask questions. Trump responded to a question about political differences by emphasizing Burnham's business acumen. Burnham appeared to manage the situation without significant public friction on issues such as immigration and sanctions related to West Bank settlements, although Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband was present and involved in discussions.

One point of divergence arose regarding the Chagos Islands. Trump openly criticized Britain's decision to cede sovereignty to Mauritius while retaining a military base on Diego Garcia, calling the arrangement "terrible." He indicated that Prime Minister Burnham would be reviewing the deal, a sentiment Burnham confirmed, referring to it as an inherited agreement that requires "resolution."

Later, in a one-on-one interview, Burnham suggested that the Chagos Islands deal was likely to change as his government seeks a way forward. This encounter with Trump marked a departure from Burnham's subsequent diplomatic engagements at the UN, which followed more conventional diplomatic protocols.