Labour politician Andy Burnham has repeatedly criticised Donald Trump, describing the U.S. president as a source of instability and linking his political style to growing division in democratic societies.

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Burnham's comments have come over several years and cover a range of issues, including political polarisation, populism and the events surrounding the 6 January 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Criticism of Political Division

During campaigning in June, Burnham warned that Britain risked moving toward what he described as the highly polarised political environment seen in the United States. He said Americans were experiencing a "polarized, poisonous politics" in which communities no longer worked together effectively.

Trump and Global Instability

In a 2025 interview with The London Economic, Burnham argued that voters needed a serious discussion about the effects of political movements associated with Trump and other populist figures. He said Trump was bringing instability to both the United States and the wider world, comparing that impact to the disruption he attributed to former British Prime Minister Liz Truss in Britain.

Recognition of Trump's Political Appeal

Despite his criticism, Burnham has acknowledged Trump's political effectiveness. In a 2024 book he co-authored, Burnham wrote that Trump and Nigel Farage had successfully connected with people who felt neglected by mainstream politicians.

He argued that a "new radical Right" in both Britain and the United States had capitalised on economic inequality and dissatisfaction with what he described as an out-of-touch progressive establishment.

Reaction to January 6

Following the storming of the U.S. Capitol on 6 January 2021, Burnham posted on X that any British politician who had supported or engaged closely with Trump "should be ashamed right now."

White House Response

Asked about Burnham's past remarks, White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly defended Trump, arguing that left-wing policies, mass migration and globalism had damaged many European cities. She said Trump had protected the United States from similar problems and had warned Western leaders that civilisation would continue to erode unless they changed course.

Burnham is widely expected to succeed Keir Starmer after Starmer announced plans to resign following poor local election results and a wave of resignations from his government. If Burnham becomes prime minister, he will likely have to work directly with Trump despite his history of criticism.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 24 June 2026

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Well he should get on with trump well !!!