President Donald Trump hosted British Prime Minister Kiel Starmer for the first time at the White House to talk about Ukraine’s security, trade relations and the future of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
However, Thursday’s meeting hinted at a simmering tension between the United States and its allies. The Sage tried to toe the tip about the point of divergence with the infamous thorny Trump.
At various points during their public opening, Priority provided opposing opinions with Trump himself, but he was careful not to contradict Trump directly.
The US president appears to have jokingly admitted the pushback in his opening remarks at an afternoon press conference.
“You’re great in our discussion. But you’re a very strict negotiator. I don’t know if you like it or not,” Trump said.
But sometimes the atmosphere became brave. When asked about Trump’s demand that Canada become a US state, Priority began pushing back questions, but was suddenly suspended.
“I think you’re trying to find a nonexistent gap between us,” the star began. “We are the closest countries and we had a very good discussion today, but we didn’t.”
At that point Trump jumped in: “That’s enough. That’s enough. Thank you.”
It’s an important takeaway from a gathering at the White House.
An invitation from the king
From the beginning, there was scrutiny about the priorities of the former human rights lawyer for the left and right Labour Party, dialogue with far-right Republican Trump.
However, in the first sit-in within the oval office, the priority provided olive branches. A signed invitation from Charles III visits the UK.
Trump quickly accepted the offer. Usually, it is rare for a US president to visit two states with the British monarch. Trump’s last visit to the state took place in 2019 under the reign of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Priority also directly addressed the differences in his background between Trump and his.
“We are not a secret from different political traditions, but there is a lot in common,” Priority said, embracing Trump’s populist streak. “The key is to win. If you can’t win, you won’t deliver.”
Trump revealed that he and the star discussed trade behind the scenes. The trade between the two countries, worth an estimated $148 billion as of 2024, appeared to Republican leaders hope that the deal could be hit “soon.”
“We’re going to have a great trade agreement in some way. We’ll be a very good trade agreement for both countries, and we’re working on it as we talk about,” he said.
Starmer gently pushes back trade
However, Trump’s repeated claims that US-UK trade relations are unfair has gained priority.
“Our business relationships are not just strong. They are fair, balanced and reciprocal,” the Labour leader said.
Meanwhile, Trump gave space during a meeting of Vice President of the US JD Vance to revisit his criticism of the right to free speech in the UK. Vance previously plagued tensions when he denounced Britain and European countries on February 14 at a Munich security conference.
“I said what I said,” Vance replied Thursday. He recalls Munich’s comments.
“Of course, we have special relationships with some of our British friends and some of our European allies. But we also know that there have been violations of freedom of speech that actually affect not only the British but also the British.”
Priorities piped up accordingly, defending their country’s commitment to democratic ideals.
“We’ve had freedom of speech in the UK for a very long time, and that’s going to last for a very long time,” Starmer said. “In relation to the UK’s free speech, I am extremely proud of our history there.”
Trump commits to the NATO Mutual Defense Agreement
But Trump’s unconventional and sometimes confusing approach to diplomatic relations has fueled the fear that Republican leaders could pull the United States out of major alliances.
Among them, the chief is the NATO Alliance, which has historically served as a breakwater against attacks from Russia and its previous Soviet Union.
Trump was asked directly whether he still supports Article 5 of the NATO establishment treaty.
“I support that,” Trump replied: “We don’t think there’s a reason for that.”
Meanwhile, priorities appealed to history to strengthen the US-UK alliance, one of the closest diplomatic ties that either country has. He pointed out that he and Trump will soon celebrate the 80th anniversary of Europe (VE) Day, when the Allied forces ended the European front of World War II.
“We continue to be each other’s first defense partners. We are ready to come to help others and there can be threats that can arise to counter the threats anywhere and anytime,” Starmer said. “There are no two troops that are more intertwined than we do. There are no two countries that have gone more together to keep people safe.”
Still, he reflected Trump’s appeal to European countries to invest more in NATO. Trump is pushing NATO allies to invest at least 5% of their gross domestic product (GDP) to strengthen their troops.
However, the US has invested about 3.4% of its GDP into military spending, totaling around $96.7 billion.
“I think it’s important for European countries, including the UK, to stomp on the defense and security of Europe and our continent and do more,” Starmer said.
Seeking peace without rewarding “attackers”
The key to security negotiations was the issue of Russian war in Ukraine.
Three years ago, in February 2022, Russia began a full-scale invasion of Eastern European countries, expanding beyond territory already seized in areas such as Crimea and Donetsk.
The international community largely condemned invasion. But in recent weeks, Trump has surprised political observers by blaming Ukraine for the war and denounces Ukrainian President Vovrazia as a “dictator” to avoid wartime elections.
Trump’s administration also negotiated peace talks directly with Russia, with European leaders on the sidelines.
Priority broached the contract by making the US president the lav dog first, praised for moving forward with peace talks.
“You created a moment of incredible opportunity to reach a historic peace agreement, a contract that we think will be celebrated in Ukraine and around the world,” Starmer said before asking for warning.
“That’s the award, but we have to get it right,” he continued. “It’s not peace to reward invaders or encourage regimes like Iran.”
“History must be on the side of the Peacemakers, not the invaders, so they couldn’t get high.
Trump is scheduled to meet Zelensky at the White House on Friday. There, the two leaders are expected to launch a deal at Trump’s request that the US access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals.
It is unclear what security Ukraine will guarantee in return. But on Thursday, Trump repeatedly described the future of Americans “digging jigging” in Ukrainian soils to harvest minerals.
He also emphasized the importance of justifying negotiations with Russia and being involved in “both sides” of the conflict.
“I think we have a very successful peace. I think it will be a long-term peace, and I hope it happens soon,” Trump said. “If it doesn’t happen soon, it might not happen at all.”
Starmer reaffirms its commitment to a two-state solution
Another global conflict was also temporarily raised: the Israeli war in Gaza.
Since January, a delicate ceasefire has been established in Palestinian enclaves, and has been abused by 15 months of Israeli bombing and ground attacks.
Over 48,365 Palestinians have died, but the Gaza government’s media office brings it to 61,709, counting the bodies buried under the tiled rub.
The UN Special Committee found that Israel was adopting tactics in Gaza “consistent with the genocide.” Even if there is a ceasefire, the Palestinians continue to die as the freezing temperatures destroy the territory.
Earlier this month, Trump urged international protests when the US announced it would “take over” Gaza and would forever ward off residents in support of building a Riviera-style resort.
Trump posted an AI-generated video this week featuring renderings of what the resort would look like, but he retreated from his suggestion to “own” Gaza and framed it as a suggestion.
On Thursday, Trump avoided being incited and instead spoke in a wide range of words.
“We’re working very hard on the Middle East and Gaza and all the issues, and that has been going on for years and centuries,” Trump said. “It’s a tough neighborhood, but it could be a very beautiful neighborhood. I think we’re going to come up with a pretty good solution.”
In contrast, Starmer provided solid support for two state solutions that acknowledge and guarantee Palestine sovereignty.
“We must do everything we can to ensure that the ceasefire continues so that more hostages can be returned. We need to allow the Palestinians to return and rebuild their lives, and we all have to support them to do that,” Starmer said.
“Yes, I believe the two state solutions are ultimately the only way to lasting peace in the region.”
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