Trump and Starmer in Scotland: Was it a win for the Prime Minister?
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Donald Trump visited Scotland to open a new golf course – but took off the green to criticise British politicians and share his views on the UK. What did we learn from his visit about how he views the UK, and how he feels about Keir Starmer?
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Read time: 4 mins
In brief…
- Donald Trump referred to Sadiq Khan as a “nasty person” during a press conference with Keir Starmer, prompting the London mayor to respond claiming record numbers of Americans have applied for British citizenship during his second presidency.
- The News Agents say Keir Starmer’s response, to jump in and describe Khan as a friend, was the right one – shutting down the president without sparking an argument.
- Despite some awkward moments between the two leaders, Emily Maitlis and Jon Sopel say there seems to be a growing respect between the two, and suggest recent trade deals reveal Trump’s fondness for the UK and its Prime Minister.
What’s the story?
Donald Trump may have spent his UK visit in Scotland, but it's the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, he started a war of words with during his four-day visit.
The US president described Khan as a "nasty person" during a press conference, while sitting next to Keir Starmer, after being asked if he would visit London while in the country.
Khan has responded by extending an invitation to Trump to visit London to see how "diversity makes us stronger not weaker", and said that may be why a "record number" of Americans have applied for British citizenship since his inauguration in January this year.
During his visit, to open a new golf course in Aberdeenshire alongside formal engagements, he has enjoyed a long rant about how awful windmills are, spoken over Starmer and floated the idea of another Scottish independence vote in 50-75 years time.
It has made for an uncomfortable experience for Starmer, who has sat beside Trump while he shared his views – including promoting the fossil fuel industry while the PM shuffled uncomfortably in his seat.
Trump will be back in the UK in September for an official state visit, when he will be able to take Khan up on his offer, if he feels so inclined.
What Donald Trump really thinks of Keir Starmer
How Starmer handled the situation
When Trump attacked Khan, Starmer interjected to say that the mayor is a friend of his, without defending him directly.
“There will be those people who say Starmer should have been tougher with him, but I actually think that Starmer has built up a rapport with him,” says Jon Sopel.
Jon believes Starmer struck the right balance with his response, shutting down Trump without sparking an argument, or opening himself to accusations of not supporting Khan.
“I think if he had said nothing while Donald Trump was saying what a nasty person Khan is, and what a terrible job he's done for London, he'd look really spineless,” he says.
“He didn't make a big thing of it. He just said he's a friend of mine. And actually, Trump stopped very quickly after that.
“So I think that was a win for Starmer.”
Perhaps more uncomfortable for Starmer than the Khan insults, were Trump’s comments on farmers’ inheritance tax – abolished in the US but increased in the UK, to much protest and backlash from farmers and their supporters.
Emily says many farmers will be “nodding along in agreement” with President Trump.
Does ‘lopsided’ EU trade deal highlight Trump’s support for Starmer?
Despite Trump drawing attention to Starmer’s more problematic moves since becoming Prime Minister, and calling his friend “nasty”, Emily Maitlis believes there is a “warmth” between the two.
The president even shared some advice on how to beat Nigel Farage at the next election – cut taxes and stop the boats.
“I think the fact Trump is even speaking to Starmer like that suggests he is slightly invested in him” she says.
In early May, 2025, the UK struck a "historic" trade deal with the US after Trump imposed his sweeping (and poorly received) tariffs, allowing the US to fast-track meat, chemicals and agricultural exports into the UK, and allowing the UK a 100,000 car quota, under which it will be subject to a 10% tariff on these products.
Under a new deal with the EU, all European Union exports will be hit with a 15% tariff, while US car imports to the EU will not face any tariffs – although The News Agents question how many Europeans will want a huge Jeep or Cadillac down the “tiny cobbled streets” of Europe.
Emily describes it as "lopsided” and “terrible for the EU”.
"The caveat to all this is that nothing is ever quite what it seems in the press conference," Emily says.
"We still haven't really got our trade deal signed off with America, and it's possible that the EU won't end up in this exact trade deal."
She adds that many Americans will be angry at having to pay more for "luxury" items from Europe – with Trump's tariffs (in most cases) being passed on to the American consumer.
"Prices are still higher in America, and Donald Trump hasn't managed to bring them down," Jon adds.
"The 'one big, beautiful bill' has been passed, but it's going down terribly because it seemed to advantage the super rich.
"Donald Trump is starting to win, but don't think it's a slam dunk yet."
Listen to the latest episode of The News Agents.
