Trump Clashes with UK’s Starmer Over Palestinian Statehood, Blasts Putin Over Ukraine
US President Donald Trump has voiced sharp opposition to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s plan to recognise a Palestinian state, marking one of the few disagreements during Trump’s historic second state visit to Britain.
At a joint press conference at Chequers, Starmer’s countryside residence, Trump confirmed their split:
“I have a disagreement with the prime minister on that score—one of our few disagreements,” Trump said.
Starmer has vowed to push for recognition of Palestinian statehood at the UN General Assembly, unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire in Gaza. The US remains firmly against unilateral recognition, even as allies such as France and Canada prepare to endorse it.
Putin “Let Me Down”
Beyond Gaza, Trump used the stage to openly criticise Russian President Vladimir Putin, admitting he felt “let down” by Moscow’s leader over the ongoing war in Ukraine.
“He let me down,” Trump said of Putin, recalling their past talks on ending the conflict.
The remark underscores a major shift in tone for Trump, who has often been accused of being soft on Russia. Starmer seized on the moment, calling the US-UK alliance crucial to Ukraine’s survival and stressing that “Kyiv must not be abandoned.”
£150 Billion Deal Secured
Despite their Middle East rift, Trump and Starmer unveiled a £150 billion ($205 billion) UK-US tech and trade deal spanning artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and nuclear energy. Trump praised the agreement as proof of an “unbreakable bond” between the nations, while Starmer hailed it as “the best deal Britain has ever struck with America.”
Gaza Crisis in Focus
Starmer described conditions in Gaza as “intolerable,” emphasising the need for humanitarian aid and a roadmap to peace. He argued that Palestinian recognition is part of a broader plan to revive negotiations—though he stressed that Hamas would play no role in a future state.
Trump, while calling for the release of hostages still held by Hamas, stopped short of urging Israel to halt its offensive, saying only that he wanted “an end” to the fighting.
Reports suggest Starmer may move forward with recognition as early as this weekend.
A Balancing Act
The state visit highlights Starmer’s strategy of positioning the UK as a diplomatic bridge between Trump and European allies. While unity on Ukraine bolstered transatlantic ties, the clash over Palestine shows the limits of their alignment.
Still, with royal pageantry, investment pledges, and Trump’s rare second state visit, both leaders sought to project strength. For Starmer, the gamble lies in proving that Britain can shape global diplomacy—even when standing at odds with Washington.
🔑 Key Takeaways
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Trump rejects UK’s push to recognise a Palestinian state at the UN.
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Starmer insists recognition is vital for peace, with a possible move this weekend.
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Trump says Putin “let me down” over Ukraine war, shifting his tone on Russia.
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£150 billion UK-US tech and trade deal sealed, praised as historic.
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Gaza humanitarian crisis dominates discussions; Trump calls for hostage release.
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