US President Donald Trump made sharp yet mixed remarks about outgoing UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer following his resignation announcement, combining personal praise with strong criticism of his policy decisions.

What Trump Said

Speaking from the Oval Office, Donald Trump said that Starmer was “a good man and a good friend,” but also argued that he had “hurt himself” through decisions on energy, immigration, and foreign relations with Washington.

He specifically criticized the UK’s energy strategy, claiming that Britain had underutilized North Sea oil and relied too heavily on renewable energy policies such as wind power.

Energy Policy at the Center of Criticism

According to Trump, the UK holds significant untapped oil and gas reserves in the North Sea but has not fully developed them due to environmental policy priorities. He argued that this approach weakened Britain’s energy independence and economic strength.

He also suggested that countries like Norway benefit from North Sea resources, while the UK has been slower to exploit them.

Foreign Policy and NATO Disagreements

Donald Trump also pointed to differences with Starmer over defense and international cooperation, particularly around NATO commitments and military coordination.

He claimed there were delays in approving US requests related to the use of British military facilities during tensions involving Iran, although he later acknowledged that cooperation eventually took place.

Domestic Challenges Cited

Despite his criticism, Trump also expressed goodwill toward Starmer, stating that he faced “three major problems” during his leadership:

• Energy policy

• Immigration management

• Crime and public safety

He suggested these issues contributed to political pressure on Starmer’s government.

Starmer’s Resignation Context

Keir Starmer reportedly stepped down as Labour leader following weak local election results and growing internal pressure within the party. He is expected to remain in office temporarily until a leadership transition is completed.

The Bottom Line

The remarks from Donald Trump reflect a blend of personal respect and political disagreement, highlighting differences between US and UK leadership approaches on energy policy, immigration, and global security priorities.