Is the Trump-Starmer bromance over?
Is the Trump-Starmer bromance over?
Trump and Starmer’s unusual political partnership has unraveled in recent weeks, despite a once-promising start. Their unlikely alliance began during a two-hour dinner at Trump Tower in September 2024, where the flamboyant businessman and the composed London lawyer struck a cordial chord. The rapport quickly translated into tangible benefits for the UK, with Starmer securing a favorable trade deal during a meeting with the US president. However, tensions have since emerged, complicating their previously harmonious relationship.
The fracture in transatlantic ties
Disagreements over the use of UK military bases in the Iran conflict have become the catalyst for this shift. Trump’s public jabs at Starmer—labeling him “no Winston Churchill” and retweeting a satirical sketch—signal a growing rift. The prime minister, however, insists these criticisms are part of a broader strategy to exert pressure. “We’re not getting involved,” said a Downing Street official, highlighting the government’s calculated approach to maintaining ties with Washington.
“The realisation that our closest ally, the superpower we had built our entire security around, had become erratic, emotional and unpredictable.”
Ben Judah, a former advisor to David Lammy, echoed this sentiment, noting that the US now “coerces us as vassals” rather than cooperating as an ally. Richard Shirreff, a retired NATO commander, added that the alliance has shifted to “behaving more as a predator,” according to officials. While these perspectives are critical, they are not always publicly shared. Whitehall remains silent, with summaries of interactions—known as “readouts”—offering little insight.
The cost of living as a political lever
At the heart of the UK government’s strategy lies a shared concern: the rising cost of living. Ministers are keen to distance themselves from the economic shocks caused by Trump’s policies, as voters grow frustrated with fluctuating fuel prices. Starmer’s team has subtly positioned the Iran crisis as a central issue, aiming to showcase his leadership. “He might not have got [the decision] quite right on farmers’ inheritance tax,” one official admitted, but emphasized the “Iran decision really mattered.”
This evolving dynamic offers both challenges and opportunities. While Trump’s rhetoric has intensified, Starmer has managed to navigate the situation with measured diplomacy. Yet, the prime minister’s growing comfort with this approach suggests a shift in how he engages with the US. With elections approaching on 7 May, the crisis has become a strategic tool for Labour’s campaign, allowing Starmer to avoid direct confrontation while highlighting his role in international affairs.
