Trump Admin Targets UK Leadership as Keir Starmer Becomes the New Political Adversary

[Social Media]

 

The Trump administration’s attitude towards the UK’s leadership under Prime Minister Keir Starmer has taken a distinctly antagonistic turn. During Donald Trump’s inauguration celebrations in Washington, DC, it became evident that the once-vaunted “special relationship” between the US and the UK had shifted into deep hostility from Trump’s circle towards the Labour government. 

 

At a pre-inauguration event dubbed the "Stars and Stripes Union Jack" party, Nigel Farage addressed an audience of Trump supporters, right-wing British figures, and media representatives. Farage expressed optimism about winning the next UK general election, adding, “I just hope it happens while Donald Trump is still president.” While Trump’s current term runs until 2028—before Starmer is required to call the next UK election—the remark appeared to carry an undertone of coordination or shared political strategy between Farage and Trump’s allies.

 

What became glaringly apparent to anyone engaging with Trump’s team was their outright disdain for Starmer and his government. From junior staffers to senior advisers, the rhetoric was unfiltered. Keir Starmer was branded with terms such as "Marxist," "communist," "authoritarian," and even a "CCP puppet." The disdain was not only for Starmer’s policies but also for what his leadership symbolized. This antipathy seemed to grow as Starmer filled the void left by Canada’s Justin Trudeau, a long-time target of Trump’s ire, following Trudeau’s departure from the political spotlight.

 

One notable incident that cemented this hostility was a dinner meeting between Trump, Starmer, and Foreign Secretary David Lammy in New York. Despite initial goodwill, the relationship soured after Labour sent 100 activists to campaign for Kamala Harris during the US election. A Trump insider remarked, “Starmer, Lammy, and Trump sat down for that dinner... but Starmer’s actions after undid any goodwill he may have had.”

 

Further grievances stem from perceptions of Starmer’s government. The handling of race riots after the Southport murders, perceived as stifling free speech, and allegations of “cover-ups” involving child grooming gangs have elicited condemnation from Trump’s circle. “Nobody believed such a thing could happen in Britain,” said a senior Trump adviser regarding the grooming gang allegations. This narrative has been used to portray Britain as a nation in decline.

 

Trump’s hostility has manifested in direct diplomatic actions. From threatening tariffs and rejecting trade deal terms to vetoing the Chagos Islands agreement, the US administration appears intent on undermining Starmer’s government. The situation escalated further with suggestions that Trump might reject Lord Mandelson’s credentials as UK ambassador.

 

Discussions among Trump’s allies have even floated the concept of “regime change” in the UK. While such musings overlook the realities of the British parliamentary system and Starmer’s firm majority, they reflect the administration’s desire to see a leader more aligned with Trump’s ideals in Downing Street. Some view Farage as the ideal candidate for this role, although doubts about his political viability persist, even within Trump’s circle.

 

The Trump administration’s stance signals a contentious period for US-UK relations, with ideological clashes threatening to overshadow traditional alliances. Whether this dynamic evolves into a more collaborative relationship remains uncertain, but for now, Keir Starmer stands as a prominent figure of opposition for Trump’s America.

 

Based on a report by The Independent 2025-01-27

 

 

[bradiston]

https://bbc.com/news/articles/cqjvyyn7k99o

 

Not quite what you're reporting.

[MangoKorat]

  On 1/26/2025 at 11:39 PM, bradiston said:

https://bbc.com/news/articles/cqjvyyn7k99o

 

Not quite what you're reporting.

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Quite. Reports supporting that view have been on TV all day - in fact Trump stated that he would be calling Starmer within 24 hours.

[Bkk Brian]

  On 1/26/2025 at 11:39 PM, bradiston said:

https://bbc.com/news/articles/cqjvyyn7k99o

 

Not quite what you're reporting.

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Not quite Trump.....

  On 1/26/2025 at 8:07 PM, Social Media said:

The Trump administration’s attitude towards the UK’s leadership under Prime Minister Keir Starmer has taken a distinctly antagonistic turn.

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[Kinok Farang]

I'm a Brit and i know which side i am on here and it's not 2 tier Kier.

[newbee2022]

  On 1/26/2025 at 8:07 PM, Social Media said:

Nobody believed such a thing could happen in Britain

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Nobody !!! believed such thing as Trump could happen in Amerika

[Thingamabob]

This article has been overtaken, to an extent, by Trump saying he thinks Starmer is doing a good job. However, this could just be a softening-up tactic by Trump prior to tough trade negotiations.

[Chomper Higgot]

True British patriots will know how to respond to this foreign interference in British politics.

 

’Will of the people’, ‘voters have spoken’, ‘a fan of democracy’ and all that.

[Cryingdick]

  On 1/27/2025 at 12:32 AM, Chomper Higgot said:

True British patriots will know how to respond to this foreign interference in British politics.

 

’Will of the people’, ‘voters have spoken’, ‘a fan of democracy’ and all that.

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A true British patriot is called an American.

[Social Media]

UPDATE:

 

Trump Praises UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer as "Very Good

 

 

President Donald Trump has expressed admiration for UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, commending his performance in office and highlighting their positive relationship. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump described Sir Keir as having done "a very good job thus far" and noted that the two share "a very good relationship."  

 

During the interview, Trump revealed plans for a phone call with Sir Keir, a conversation that has since taken place. The pair have interacted on multiple occasions, including a visit by Sir Keir to Trump Tower in New York during Trump’s presidential campaign. Reflecting on their connection, Trump remarked, "I get along with him well. I like him a lot."  

 

Acknowledging their ideological differences, Trump added, "He's liberal, which is a bit different from me, but I think he's a very good person and I think he's done a very good job thus far. He's represented his country in terms of philosophy. I may not agree with his philosophy, but I have a very good relationship with him."  

 

Trump made these comments while addressing reporters in the press room aboard the presidential plane on Saturday. The remarks came in response to a question about his relationship with Sir Keir, following earlier discussions about potential destinations for his first international trip if reelected. "It could be Saudi Arabia, it could be UK. Traditionally it could be UK," he said, signaling the UK's continued importance in US foreign relations.  

 

Meanwhile, Trump ally and tech billionaire Elon Musk has taken a contrasting stance in line with many of Trump's administration, being strongly critical of Sir Keir and repeatedly calling for his removal from office. Despite Musk’s criticism, Trump’s remarks underscore a cordial relationship between the US and UK leaders, even amid differences in political philosophy.

 

 

[JonnyF]

  On 1/26/2025 at 8:07 PM, Social Media said:

Despite initial goodwill, the relationship soured after Labour sent 100 activists to campaign for Kamala Harris during the US election.

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Such a stupid move by Labour. Even by their standards.

 

Let's hope Trump keeps the pressure on 2 Tier Keir and his band of Liberal idiots. 

[James105]

  On 1/27/2025 at 1:24 AM, Social Media said:

Trump Praises UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer as "Very Good"

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Oh dear Keir...

 

 

https://x.com/Keir_Starmer/status/1134833523959971840

 

[newbee2022]

  On 1/27/2025 at 12:32 AM, Chomper Higgot said:

True British patriots will know how to respond to this foreign interference in British politics.

 

’Will of the people’, ‘voters have spoken’, ‘a fan of democracy’ and all that.

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Declare war on Trump. Heil Starmer.

Is that your solution?🤗

[Ulyssesamui]

  On 1/26/2025 at 11:39 PM, bradiston said:

https://bbc.com/news/articles/cqjvyyn7k99o

 

Not quite what you're reporting.

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You believe the Bolshevik Broadcasting Company (BBC)?

[herfiehandbag]

  On 1/26/2025 at 11:46 PM, Kinok Farang said:

I'm a Brit and i know which side i am on here and it's not 2 tier Kier.

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I'm  British, and I find both of them pretty loathsome.

 

I dislike nationalist bullies and socialist aparatchniks equally.

[Watawattana]

  On 1/27/2025 at 2:03 AM, newbee2022 said:

Heil Starmer.

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I thought that 'Heil' was an accolade for someone slightly right of centre?  Perhaps Komrade Keir?

 

By the way, I'm neither for nor against Starmer, not sure I'm too 'for' any politician right now.

[zyphodb]

  On 1/27/2025 at 2:41 AM, Ulyssesamui said:

You believe the Bolshevik Broadcasting Company (BBC)?

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I thought that they were the British Brainwashing Corperation...

[Watawattana]

  On 1/27/2025 at 3:41 AM, zyphodb said:

 

I thought that they were the British Brainwashing Corperation...

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I'll maybe try to come up with something for FOX & MSNBC later.😂

[bradiston]

  On 1/26/2025 at 11:46 PM, Bkk Brian said:

Not quite Trump.....

 

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So which is later?

[Bkk Brian]

  On 1/27/2025 at 4:20 AM, bradiston said:

So which is later?

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No matter, it was still not Trump, the update is however 

[bradiston]

  On 1/27/2025 at 4:22 AM, Bkk Brian said:

No matter, it was still not Trump, the update is however 

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How do you mean, "it was still not Trump"?

[bradiston]

  On 1/27/2025 at 2:41 AM, Ulyssesamui said:

You believe the Bolshevik Broadcasting Company (BBC)?

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Who do you believe?

[Bkk Brian]

  On 1/27/2025 at 4:24 AM, bradiston said:

How do you mean, "it was still not Trump"?

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Did you read the original OP? It was about Trump's admin, not Trump. people like Musk etc

[Chomper Higgot]

  On 1/27/2025 at 2:03 AM, newbee2022 said:

Declare war on Trump. Heil Starmer.

Is that your solution?🤗

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Where on earth did you pull that from?

[bradiston]

  On 1/27/2025 at 4:25 AM, Bkk Brian said:

Did you read the original OP? It was about Trump's admin, not Trump. people like Musk etc

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Of course, I was forgetting that Trump has no say in what his army of spokesmen aka administration, says. Keep spinning.

[Bkk Brian]

  On 1/27/2025 at 4:30 AM, bradiston said:

Of course, I was forgetting that Trump has no say in what his army of spokesmen aka administration, says. Keep spinning.

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Spinning what? it does state it quite clearly:

 

 

  On 1/27/2025 at 1:24 AM, Social Media said:

Meanwhile, Trump ally and tech billionaire Elon Musk has taken a contrasting stance in line with many of Trump's administration, being strongly critical of Sir Keir and repeatedly calling for his removal from office. Despite Musk’s criticism, Trump’s remarks underscore a cordial relationship between the US and UK leaders, even amid differences in political philosophy.

Expand  

 

[MalcolmB]

  On 1/26/2025 at 11:46 PM, Kinok Farang said:

I'm a Brit and i know which side i am on here and it's not 2 tier Kier.

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Disgraceful traitor. 
 

[Kinok Farang]

  On 1/27/2025 at 4:32 AM, MalcolmB said:

Disgraceful traitor. 
 

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Guilty I'm afraid.

[MalcolmB]

  On 1/27/2025 at 4:39 AM, Kinok Farang said:

Guilty I'm afraid.

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  On 1/27/2025 at 1:24 AM, Social Media said:

Trump described Sir Keir as having done "a very good job thus far" and noted that the two share "a very good relationship."  

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[bradiston]

  On 1/27/2025 at 4:31 AM, Bkk Brian said:

Spinning what? it does state it quite clearly:

 

 

 

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Yes, in the update it does. I commented on the original, which was from a  "based on" - what does that actually mean?) - report in the Independent. The update isn't credited, although it appears to be  from the same article I linked to.