Donald Trump hints at visiting UK 'soon' after speaking with Keir Starmer

U.S. President Donald Trump stated he would visit the United Kingdom "soon" after a phone call with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. According to the British government, this was the first call between the two since Trump took office, lasting 45 minutes.

The two discussed topics including the Middle East conflict, trade, and security. Trump first expressed his condolences to Starmer for the death of his brother, Nick, who passed away from cancer at the end of last year. Prime Minister Starmer thanked President Trump for his condolences and congratulated him on his successful inauguration.

Prime Minister Starmer also praised President Trump's role in brokering the landmark ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza. For Starmer, who comes from the center-left of British politics, establishing an effective relationship between the UK and the new Trump administration has been quite challenging.

In addition to political differences, Trump's close friend, the world's richest man, Elon Musk, has also harshly criticized Starmer. Earlier this month, Musk dredged up old scandals about a sex abuse ring and pushed for the release of jailed far-right agitator Tommy Robinson, who has a large following on social media. Starmer, who served as Director of Public Prosecutions from 2008 to 2013, has hit back at critics for "spreading lies and disinformation" and insisted that he handled the prosecution "properly."

Other diplomatic hurdles exist between Washington and London, such as tariffs and military support for Ukraine. However, in a BBC interview after his call with Starmer, Trump said that despite their opposing political views, he and the British Prime Minister "get along very well." Trump said, "He’s a liberal, which is a little different than me, but I think he’s a very good man, and I think he’s done a good job so far. He represents his country in a philosophical way… I may disagree with his philosophy, but I have a very good relationship with him.”

Trump also answered a question about the location of his first international visit, saying "It could be Saudi Arabia, it could be the UK. Traditionally, it could be the UK.” In 2019, Trump and his wife Melania made a state visit to the UK and were received by the late Queen Elizabeth II.