US President Donald Trump has stated that the forthcoming state visit of King Charles III and Queen Camilla to the United States could 'absolutely' help repair strained relations between the UK and the US, which have been damaged by disagreements over the Iran war.
Trump praises the King
In an interview with the BBC, Trump hailed King Charles as a 'great man' and expressed confidence that the royal couple's trip would be 'a positive' for transatlantic relations. 'He's fantastic. He's a fantastic man. Absolutely the answer is yes,' Trump said. 'I know him well, I've known him for years. He's a brave man, and he's a great man. They would absolutely be a positive.'
The King and Queen are scheduled to arrive in the US on Monday for a four-day visit, which will include a meeting with Trump, a White House banquet, and an address by King Charles to a joint meeting of the US Congress.
Trump criticises Starmer
Trump also used the interview to criticise UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, suggesting that he does not believe Starmer 'has a chance' of repairing the relationship unless he changes direction, particularly on immigration. Trump warned that Starmer's immigration policies are 'not strong' and that he should open the North Sea for energy production.
The two leaders have been at odds over the Middle East conflict, with Trump deriding Starmer as weak and indecisive. Trump also reiterated his displeasure with the UK's lack of support during the Iran conflict, which Starmer had been reluctant to engage in. 'I didn't need them at all but they should've been there. I didn't need them, obviously,' Trump said, describing his calls for support as 'more of a test'.
Starmer responds
Responding to Trump's remarks during a visit to Kenton United Synagogue in Harrow, north-west London, Starmer stated: 'I'm the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and I make my decisions based on what's in the British national interest, and not what other people say or do.' He emphasised that his decisions, including not being dragged into the Iran war or the blockade of the Strait, are in the UK's best national interest, and he will not be diverted by external criticism.
Trump also weighed in on the appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador, branding it 'a really bad pick', but added that the Prime Minister has 'plenty of time to recover'.
