Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with US President Donald Trump at the White House during his first official visit to the United States. The meeting, widely seen as a pivotal moment in UK-US relations, reaffirmed the so-called “special relationship” between the two nations. Both leaders emphasized their shared commitment to economic cooperation, security partnerships, and transatlantic stability.
The meeting also served as an opportunity to establish a working rapport between Starmer and Trump, two leaders with differing political ideologies but a common interest in strengthening bilateral ties.
Security and Defense: A Unified but Cautious Approach
One of the key topics discussed was global security, particularly in relation to NATO and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Prime Minister Starmer reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to increasing defense spending to 2.5% of GDP, aligning with NATO’s targets. He stressed that NATO remains “the cornerstone of European security,” countering Trump’s past criticisms of the alliance’s funding and structure.
President Trump, while agreeing on the need for a strong NATO, reiterated his long-standing demand that European allies contribute more to their own defense. He has previously suggested that the US might reconsider its role in the alliance if other member states do not increase their financial commitments. While no direct policy changes were announced, Starmer and Trump agreed to maintain close coordination on defense strategies.
Trade Talks and Economic Cooperation
Trade was another focal point of the discussions. The UK and the US agreed to begin negotiations on a trade deal centered around technology and innovation. This follows years of stalled talks under previous governments, with Brexit-related uncertainties delaying comprehensive trade agreements.
Starmer emphasized that any deal must be “mutually beneficial” and ensure fair economic cooperation. Trump, known for his “America First” trade policies, indicated his administration would seek terms that prioritize American industries but acknowledged the importance of UK investment in US markets.
Ukraine and European Stability
A major component of the meeting was the war in Ukraine. Starmer pledged that the UK would continue playing a leadership role in supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression. He reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to sending military aid and assisting with long-term reconstruction efforts.
Trump’s stance on Ukraine has been more ambiguous. While he stated that he supports an end to the conflict, he has previously been critical of extensive US military aid, arguing that European nations should shoulder more of the burden. During the meeting, Trump stopped short of making new commitments, but the leaders agreed to further discussions on Ukraine policy.
Bagram Airbase and US Military Strategy
An unexpected point of discussion was Trump’s remarks about the need to reassert US control over Bagram Airbase in Afghanistan. He criticized the 2021 withdrawal and suggested that regaining control of the base could be strategically important for countering threats in the region.
While Starmer did not publicly respond to this proposal, sources suggest that UK officials view this as part of Trump’s broader foreign policy ambitions rather than an immediate priority for joint UK-US action.
Invitation for a State Visit to the UK
One of the meeting’s most symbolic moments was Prime Minister Starmer extending an invitation from King Charles III for President Trump to visit the United Kingdom on an official state visit. This would mark Trump’s second state visit to the UK, an honor rarely granted to foreign leaders.
Daily euro times
