During a Thursday (March 26) cabinet meeting, former President Donald Trump launched a sharp critique of UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, claiming he made “a big mistake” in Britain’s handling of the recent crisis with Iran. Speaking to the assembled officials, Trump suggested the UK failed a crucial test of loyalty at a pivotal moment.
“He did something that was shocking. He didn’t want to help us… the longest ally, the longest bond,” Trump said. “They weren’t there for us when it mattered… so what makes you think they’ll be there if we ever need them?”
Trump specifically referenced a strategic issue involving the use of a key location for US bombers. According to the former president, Britain’s refusal forced American aircraft to undertake a far longer mission than necessary. “When we needed the island to land that B-2 bomber, they said we couldn’t use it… We had to fly all the way back to Missouri, a 17-hour flight instead of two. Are you kidding me? That was a big mistake,” he said.
He also mocked the UK’s military response, dismissing the offer of aircraft carriers as insufficient. “The British said, ‘We’ll send our aircraft carriers,’ which aren’t the best carriers by the way they’re toys compared to ours,” Trump added. “They said, ‘We’ll send our carrier when the war is over.’ I said, ‘Thank you very much, don’t bother. We don’t need them.’”
Highlighting America’s global defense commitments, Trump questioned whether the US should continue unilaterally supporting allies. “We spend trillions supporting other countries… Do we need them? No. We were there for NATO, but they weren’t there for us. It was a test, and they failed,” he said.
Despite his criticisms of Starmer, Trump sought to reassure that relations with King Charles remain strong ahead of the planned state visit. “He’s a friend of mine, a great gentleman… he honored me and our country,” Trump said. “I’ve known him as Prince Charles and now as King… that has nothing to do with this. The state visit will be wonderful.”
Adding context to the tension, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth noted recent Iranian missile activity, emphasizing the strategic stakes. “Two days ago they launched two failed missiles at a target 4,000 km away. For years, they claimed their missiles could only reach 2 km. Surprise they lied. London is only 4,000 km from Iran,” he said.
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