U.S. President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer met at the White House to discuss a potential trade deal, security commitments, and geopolitical challenges, including the ongoing war in Ukraine. The discussions, which included a press conference and private talks, marked a key diplomatic moment for Starmer as he sought to solidify the UK’s economic and security interests.
Trump expressed optimism about a trade agreement between the two nations, stating that an arrangement could be reached “very quickly” and potentially eliminate the need for tariffs on UK goods. His administration has previously imposed import taxes on European steel and aluminum, a move that has raised concerns among British officials. Starmer emphasized that the UK-U.S. trade relationship was already “fair, balanced, and reciprocal,” positioning the UK as a strong economic partner.
The meeting also touched on security issues, with Starmer reaffirming his willingness to send British troops to Ukraine as part of a future peacekeeping mission. He warned that without a firm U.S. security guarantee, Russian President Vladimir Putin could see an opportunity to renew hostilities. Trump, while not making a direct commitment, suggested that a forthcoming minerals agreement with Ukraine could serve as a deterrent to further Russian aggression.
During the press conference, Trump was asked whether he still viewed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as a “dictator,” a characterization he previously made. While he initially deflected, he later acknowledged respect for Zelensky and confirmed plans to meet with him in Washington later in the week.
The leaders also discussed the UK’s planned agreement with Mauritius regarding the Chagos Islands, a long-standing territorial issue. While the deal would transfer sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius, the UK would continue leasing the strategic Diego Garcia military base, which it operates jointly with the U.S. Trump signaled support for the UK’s approach, stating he was “inclined to go along with it.”
In addition to trade and security matters, Starmer and Trump explored potential cooperation in artificial intelligence. Starmer framed AI as an opportunity rather than a regulatory challenge, calling for joint efforts between the UK and U.S. to drive technological innovation. He suggested that AI could be as transformative as past scientific breakthroughs, even comparing its potential to the “moon landing” era.
The meeting also had a symbolic element. At the start of the visit, Starmer presented Trump with a letter from King Charles III, inviting him for a second state visit to the UK—an unprecedented gesture, as U.S. presidents typically receive only one. Trump described the offer as a “great honor” and praised the King.
