Donald Trump praised UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham as a 'natural businessman' after their first face-to-face meeting at the UN in New York, while criticising the UK over its decision to give up the Chagos Islands.
Key facts
- Trump and Burnham held their first face-to-face meeting at the UN in New York.
- Trump described Burnham as a 'natural businessman' and predicted he would be a 'great prime minister'.
- Trump said the relationship was 'more up' than under Keir Starmer.
- Trump criticised the UK's decision to give up the Chagos Islands.
- The pair discussed topics ranging from Rolls-Royce to energy and immigration.
US President Donald Trump has praised British Prime Minister Andy Burnham as a “natural businessman” following the pair’s first face-to-face meeting at the United Nations in New York, according to the Guardian.
Trump gave a warm assessment of the relationship between the two countries, saying he believed Burnham had a “lot of assets on his side” and would be a “great prime minister”. He also indicated the relationship was in a stronger place, describing it as “more up” than it had been under Burnham’s predecessor, Keir Starmer.
Describing the breadth of their discussion, Trump said: “We talked about everything from Rolls-Royce to energy to immigration – we covered a lot.”
Despite the largely positive tone, Trump was critical of the UK on at least one issue, berating the country for its decision to give up the Chagos Islands, according to the Guardian’s reporting.
The Guardian noted that the meeting marked the first time the two leaders had met in person. In its coverage, the outlet referred to Trump’s characterisation of Burnham as both a “natural businessman” and a “natural businessperson” across updated versions of its report.
The meeting took place at the UN gathering in New York, where world leaders convene to discuss international affairs.
Why it matters
The tone of the relationship between a US president and a UK prime minister can shape cooperation on trade, energy and security. Trump's warm early assessment of Burnham, alongside his criticism over the Chagos Islands, signals both potential common ground and points of friction in the transatlantic relationship.
Frequently asked questions
Where did Trump and Burnham meet?
The two leaders met face-to-face for the first time at the United Nations in New York, according to the Guardian.
What did Trump criticise the UK for?
Trump berated the UK for its decision to give up the Chagos Islands.
What topics did the leaders discuss?
Trump said they discussed a wide range of issues, including Rolls-Royce, energy and immigration.