Broadcaster Adam Boulton has warned that Donald Trump could spark a catastrophic global conflict before his term in office ends because of three dangerous characteristics.
Speaking to John Pienaar on Times Radio, Boulton raised concerns about the extent of the damage Trump might cause before November's US midterm elections, as tensions surrounding Iran, Russia and Ukraine continue to cause concern.
Three dangerous traits identified
The commentator identified three characteristics he believes could have severe consequences for international security, issuing a stark warning about the prospect of a third world war.
He said: "I really do worry that Trump is so incompetent and so misguided and so selfish that he could plunge us into a hot third world war before we see the back of him."
Boulton's remarks came amid escalating tensions surrounding the conflict involving Iran, which he said had contributed to rising fuel prices. He also criticised Trump's handling of the situation, alleging the president had attempted to blame Ukraine while offering support to Russia, reports the Mirror US.
Concerns over political discourse
He warned that this approach could further inflame the situation in Europe, adding to his concerns about the direction of international relations during the US president's tenure.
Boulton also voiced concern about what he described as a decline in political discourse, highlighting the broadcasting of executions as another troubling development. He questioned what a potential global conflict would mean for existing international alliances, asking: "If it is a world war, which side will we be on and which side will America be on?"
His comments come as Britain has sought to reassure Ukraine that its support will remain steadfast, despite growing uncertainty surrounding Washington's position.
UK reassures Ukraine of support
Prime Minister Andy Burnham welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Downing Street on Wednesday, where the visiting leader was greeted by an honour guard comprising troops from the Irish Guards.
The meeting took place during a period of strained relations between Kyiv and Washington, following Trump's decision to ease sanctions on Russian diesel last week, as rising fuel costs threatened to become a political issue ahead of November's midterms.
Britain responded to the move by pledging to maintain pressure on Moscow. Trump has also suggested Ukraine needs a new leader and claimed Russian President Vladimir Putin is more interested in securing a peace deal than the government in Kyiv. Meanwhile, concerns have been raised about intelligence-sharing after Zelensky said Ukraine had received no advance warning about Russian missile strikes on Monday and Tuesday.
During Prime Minister's Questions, Burnham said he was being "careful" with his language following the decision on Russian diesel sanctions, explaining that he was trying to create the conditions for reconciliation. He told Zelensky: "You have seen the solidarity and the support you have got from everybody here in Britain. We are behind you and that will not change."
Burnham also emphasised that the Ukrainian leader would leave Britain with additional support, saying: "I will listen to President Zelensky carefully, but he won't be going away from Britain today empty-handed."
He added that Zelensky was prepared to discuss Trump's proposed energy ceasefire, but warned that Russia had continued attacking critical infrastructure. He said: "In these moments, Britain will continue to provide you with whatever support we can."
