IRIA News

7 minute read

United States President Donald Trump hosted British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for the first time at the White House on February 27, 2025, to discuss critical global issues, including Ukraine’s security, trade relations, and the future of NATO.

The meeting also revealed underlying tensions between the U.S. and the UK, with Starmer offering careful pushback on several of Trump’s positions.

The interactions highlighted the contrasting political styles of the right-wing Republican president and the center-left Labor leader, making their first official engagement a significant moment in transatlantic diplomacy.

A royal invitation

From the outset, there was intense scrutiny over how Starmer, a former human rights lawyer, would navigate his discussions with Trump, a leader known for his unpredictability. To set a positive tone, Starmer extended an olive branch by presenting Trump with a signed invitation from King Charles III to visit the UK.

Trump immediately accepted the offer, marking his second state visit to the British monarchy, following his 2019 visit under the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Acknowledging their ideological differences, Starmer addressed the contrast between his background and Trump’s, “It’s no secret we’re from different political traditions. But there’s a lot that we have in common,” Starmer said. “What counts is winning. If you don’t win, you don’t deliver.”

President Donald J. Trump, responding to an invitation from King Charles for a second state visit:

"We look forward to being there and honoring the King, honoring the country." 🇺🇸🇬🇧 @Keir_Starmer pic.twitter.com/r25IZr4sXc

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 27, 2025

Trump, on his part, expressed optimism about U.S.-UK trade relations, revealing that discussions on the matter were already underway: “We’re gonna have a great trade agreement one way or the other. We’re going to end up with a very good trade agreement for both countries, and we’re working on that as we speak,” he said.

Push back on trade assertions

One of the more subtle points of contention during the meeting was trade relations between the U.S. and the UK. Trump, who has long rallied against trade deals he deems unfavorable to the U.S., reiterated that the current trade arrangement between the two countries was skewed.

Starmer, however, pushed back gently, emphasizing the balance and fairness of the economic relationship between the two allies: “Our trading relationship is not just strong. It’s fair, balanced and reciprocal,” Starmer said.

The meeting also saw US Vice President JD Vance revisit his previous criticisms of free speech rights in the UK. At the Munich Security Conference on February 14, Vance had accused Britain and other European countries of democratic backsliding. When given a chance to clarify his remarks, Vance did not back down. “I said what I said,” Vance replied.

Starmer defended the UK’s commitment to democratic principles: “We’ve had free speech for a very, very long time in the United Kingdom, and it will last for a very, very long time,” he said. “About free speech in the UK, I’m very proud of our history there.”

Conditional support for NATO

A major concern among the U.S.’s European allies has been Trump’s stance on NATO. His past rhetoric has fueled fears that he might withdraw the US from the alliance or reduce America’s role in collective security arrangements.

When directly asked about his support for NATO’s Article 5, a mutual defense clause requiring members to defend each other in case of an attack, Trump gave a brief but affirmative response: “I support it,” Trump replied, before adding: “I don’t think we’re going to have any reason for it.”

Starmer, however, sought to reaffirm the U.S.-UK military alliance, invoking historical ties and shared military efforts. He pointed to the upcoming 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day as a symbol of the enduring strength of their partnership:

“We remain each other’s first partner in defense. Ready to come to the other’s aid, to counter threats wherever and whenever they may arise,” Starmer said. “No two militaries are more intertwined than ours. No two countries have done more together to keep people safe.”

At the same time, Starmer aligned himself with Trump’s call for increased European defense spending, echoing the U.S. president’s demand that NATO allies contribute at least 5 percent of their GDP toward military expenditures:

“I think it’s important for European countries, including the United Kingdom, to step up and do more in the defense and security of Europe and our continent,” Starmer said.

Ukraine peace deal

Ukraine was a major topic in the discussions, with Trump’s recent stance on the conflict stirring controversy. The U.S. president has increasingly blamed Ukraine for the war and accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of authoritarianism for not holding elections during wartime.

Trump’s administration has also engaged in direct peace negotiations with Russia, actions that have left European allies feeling sidelined.

Starmer attempted to diplomatically praise Trump’s peace efforts while also cautioning against any settlement that would reward Russian aggression.

“The US and UK have a special relationship… really like no other, passed down through the centuries, and we’re going to keep it that way. We’re going to keep it very strong, as it is.” – President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/yxcOchPuh1

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 27, 2025

Starmer said, “You’ve created a moment of tremendous opportunity to reach a historic peace deal, a deal that I think would be celebrated in Ukraine and around the world,” Starmer said before adding a pointed warning. “That is the prize, but we must get it right. It can’t be peace that rewards the aggressor or that gives encouragement to regimes like Iran.”

Trump, for his part, remained confident about his approach: “I think we’re going to have a very successful peace, and I think it’s going to be a long-lasting peace, and I think it’s going to happen hopefully quickly,” he said. “If it doesn’t happen quickly, it may not happen at all.”

The U.S. is reportedly working on a deal that would give American companies access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, an arrangement that has raised further questions about Trump’s real motivations in the region.

Two-State solution amid Gaza crisis

The ongoing crisis in Gaza was another sensitive topic. A fragile ceasefire has been in place since January following 15 months of Israeli military operations. The devastation has been severe, with over 48,365 Palestinians confirmed dead and estimates from the Gaza Government Media Office suggesting as many as 61,709 fatalities.

Trump, who previously suggested the US should “take over” Gaza and turn it into a luxury resort, avoided making similarly inflammatory remarks during the meeting. Instead, he spoke in general terms about the situation:

“We’re working very hard in the Middle East and Gaza and all of the problems. And it’s been going on for years and years and centuries and centuries,” Trump said. “It’s a tough neighborhood, but it could be a very beautiful neighborhood, and I think we’re going to come up with some pretty good solutions.”

Starmer, in contrast, took a much firmer stance, explicitly reaffirming his support for a two-state solution: “We have to do everything we can to ensure that the ceasefire continues so that more hostages can be returned, so that aid can be brought in that’s desperately needed. We need to allow Palestinians to return and to rebuild their lives, and we must all support them in doing that… And yes, I believe that the two-state solution is ultimately the only way for a lasting peace in the region.”

The meeting between Trump and Starmer was a revealing test of their diplomatic relationship. While the leaders managed to find common ground on trade and NATO spending, Starmer’s careful pushback on Ukraine, democracy, and the Middle East underscored the ideological differences between the two.