Former President Donald Trump believes the upcoming royal visit from the UK to the US has the potential to mend strained relations between the two countries. In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump expressed his thoughts on the UK Labour Party leader Keir Starmer’s political prospects, suggesting that Starmer still has time to recover despite recent setbacks.
During a phone interview with the BBC, Trump hinted at what could help Starmer regain popularity, emphasizing the importance of strong immigration policies and the reopening of drilling activities in the North Sea. Trump has been critical of the UK’s decision to halt drilling licenses in the region, citing potential benefits for American companies.
Additionally, Trump’s longstanding opposition to wind farms, particularly near his golf course in Aberdeen, has fueled his desire to see drilling operations resume. He believes that the upcoming state visit involving the King and Queen of the UK could play a pivotal role in repairing the rift that emerged during his presidency, particularly in light of international conflicts.
While expressing confidence in the royal visit’s potential to strengthen US-UK ties, Trump praised the King and described him as a remarkable and courageous figure. The royal couple is scheduled to meet Trump at the White House as part of their four-day visit, which includes a private meeting with the president and a speech to Congress.
However, concerns have been raised by Emily Thornberry, chair of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, regarding Trump’s behavior and the potential risks associated with the royal visit. Thornberry highlighted the high stakes involved and expressed apprehensions about possible embarrassing situations that could arise due to Trump’s unpredictable nature.
Opposition leader Sir Ed Davey of the Liberal Democrats has urged the Prime Minister to reconsider the royal visit, given Trump’s perceived unpredictability and the risk of causing embarrassment to the monarchy. Davey emphasized the need to protect the dignity of the royal family, especially during significant events like the 250th anniversary of American independence.