Donald Trump has issued what could be a final parting shot to the embattled Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, claiming the British leader will resign over failures on immigration and energy policy.
In a post on his Truth Social media site, Trump accused Sir Keir of failing on two key fronts. “Keir Starmer will resign as Prime Minister of The United Kingdom,” said Trump. “He failed badly on two very important subjects – IMMIGRATION AND ENERGY (OPEN NORTH SEA OIL!). I wish him well! President DJT.”
Trump has repeatedly urged the UK to open up the North Sea for oil instead of relying on wind power. Their initially friendly relationship has soured significantly in recent months, with tensions simmering over Sir Keir’s refusal to allow US forces to use RAF bases in the initial wave of attacks against Iran.
Starmer's Future Under Pressure
Sir Keir insisted he and Trump “get on really well” when asked by reporters at the G7 summit in France earlier this week why the two did not hold a one-on-one meeting. Trump’s comments come as Sir Keir spends the weekend reflecting on whether to fight or step down amid mounting calls for him to set out a timetable.
Trump appears to be drawing from media reports that the Prime Minister could quit as soon as Monday. He has not spoken to Sir Keir since they saw each other at the G7.
By-Election Aftermath
Starmer vowed not to walk away from his post on Friday, in the immediate aftermath of Andy Burnham winning the Makerfield by-election, but pressure has been mounting over the weekend.
Trump's post that Starmer “will” resign appears to be due to media reports swirling over the PM's future. He is not thought to have spoken to Trump this weekend.
G7 Handshake Incident
At the G7 summit, a social media post claimed that when Trump arrived at a meeting of world leaders, he did not shake hands with Starmer. “Donald Trump shook everyone’s hand, except Keir Starmer, then walked off,” the post read, accompanied by a short clip. However, video evidence shows that earlier, Sir Keir and Mr Trump did shake hands.
