Donald Trump has branded the United Kingdom a 'poverty-stricken disaster' in a lengthy message on his social media platform Truth Social, while praising incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham for a policy he has not yet announced. Trump claimed Burnham, who becomes Prime Minister on Monday, intends to 'open up all the way' North Sea oil extraction—a statement that the Labour leader has not made.
Trump's Message and Praise for Burnham
In the post, Trump commended Burnham for what he described as a bold energy policy, but simultaneously attacked the UK's current economic state, calling it a 'poverty-stricken disaster' with the potential to become one of the richest countries in the world. The US President's remarks come as Burnham prepares to take office, though no official announcement on North Sea oil has been made by the incoming Labour government.
Trump's message did not provide evidence for his claim about Burnham's policy, and Downing Street has not commented on the post. The UK remains a major economy, ranking sixth globally by GDP, with a poverty rate of around 22% according to recent government data.
Reaction and Context
The post has drawn mixed reactions, with critics accusing Trump of interfering in UK politics and supporters praising his blunt assessment. Burnham, who won the Labour leadership after a decisive victory, has focused his campaign on public services and green energy, making Trump's oil claim particularly surprising.
As of now, Burnham's team has not responded to Trump's comments. The US President has a history of commenting on UK affairs, including praising Brexit and criticising previous British leaders.
