US President Donald Trump criticized outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday after Starmer announced his resignation, citing energy policy, immigration, and relations with Washington as key issues. Trump, who had previously predicted Starmer's departure, described the UK leader as a "lovely man" but accused him of mishandling Britain's energy policy by failing to exploit North Sea oil and allowing wind energy development. "The UK buys much of its energy. You know where? Norway. You know where they get their oil? The North Sea," Trump said. "The UK has a much better portion of the North Sea—they don’t want to do it for environmental purposes."
Trump also expressed disappointment in Starmer's handling of NATO and the Iran war, particularly over the use of British military bases in Cyprus. The US leader claimed Starmer initially denied a request to use RAF Akrotiri for strikes against Iran but later relented, calling the delay a "bad move" that "hurt him badly." Trump wished Starmer well but emphasized that his tenure was marred by energy and immigration challenges. "I wish him well," Trump said. "But he’s got two problems: energy and immigration—and crime. But energy and immigration. He’s really hurt himself very, very badly."
Starmer announced his resignation on Monday after months of pressure from Labour lawmakers and poor election results. Veteran Labour politician Andy Burnham is expected to succeed him, potentially becoming Britain’s seventh prime minister in a decade.