Shadow foreign secretary David Lammy has sparked controversy by suggesting that Donald Trump's commitment to NATO is often misunderstood, despite the former president's past remarks that included encouraging Russia to attack alliance members failing to meet spending targets.
Speaking during a goodwill mission to the US, Lammy acknowledged that Trump's comments were 'shocking' but argued that his tenure led to better-funded NATO. This stance marks a significant shift from Lammy's previous characterisation of Trump as a 'neo-Nazi sympathising sociopath'.
Lammy's efforts to build bridges with Republicans come as Labour prepares for a potential general election victory later this year. He has met with Trump allies including Senators Lindsey Graham and JD Vance, as well as Trump's campaign manager Chris LaCivita.
Critics point to Lammy's inconsistent messaging, noting his past statements calling Trump a 'dangerous clown' and expressing joy at Joe Biden's election. The shadow foreign secretary now claims to share 'common cause' with Trump as a 'good Christian boy' and 'small-c conservative'.
Foreign Secretary David Cameron also faced backlash during a recent US visit for comparing Republican opponents of Ukraine funding to Nazi appeasers, drawing a sharp response from Trump supporter Marjorie Taylor Greene.
