Is the Trump-Starmer bromance over?

Is the Trump-Starmer bromance over?

The initial Trump-Starmer alliance was unexpected, marking a rare success for the prime minister amid a challenging first year in office. Their bond began to form during a two-hour dinner at Trump Tower in September 2024, where the charismatic businessman and the composed London lawyer found common ground. Just five months later, in the Oval Office, Starmer’s team celebrated a key achievement: the UK’s strong trade ties with Washington. Trump’s admiration for the PM seemed genuine, as he almost seemed to purr during their interactions.

Yet recent weeks have seen the partnership unravel. The catalyst was a disagreement over the use of UK military bases during the Iran War. Trump responded with a barrage of sharp criticism, comparing Starmer to “no Winston Churchill” and retweeting a satirical sketch mocking him. He even imitated the PM’s voice at a press event, signaling a shift in their dynamic. While Downing Street maintains a neutral tone, offering only bland summaries of calls, Whitehall officials remain cautious about revealing the true nature of their exchanges.

Inside the government, some voices are more candid. Ben Judah, a former advisor to David Lammy, described the US as “no longer only cooperates with us as allies but coerces us as vassals.” He noted the growing sense that the superpower they once relied on had become “erratic, emotional and unpredictable.” Richard Shirreff, a retired NATO commander, echoed similar concerns, calling the alliance “a predator” in disguise. Despite these assessments, Starmer has publicly dismissed the attacks, insisting they are part of a strategy to pressure him.

The PM’s approach has evolved subtly. While he once avoided direct confrontation, he now acknowledges frustration over rising living costs, stating to ITV News that he is “fed up with the fact that families see their bills go up and down because of Putin or Trump.” Yet the next day, he refrained from repeating the remark, underscoring his careful balancing act. For ministers, the cost of living remains a central campaign issue, and the Iran crisis provides a convenient opportunity to distance themselves from perceived economic turmoil.

With elections approaching on 7 May, Starmer’s team is leveraging the situation to reinforce his leadership image. By convening business leaders, chairing emergency meetings, and touring the Gulf, he aims to project stability. Even minor missteps, like the farmers’ inheritance tax decision, are framed as secondary to the broader Iran strategy. For now, the prime minister’s internal opponents are hesitant to challenge him, as the crisis continues to shape the political landscape.