US president Trump makes private call to UK PM Starmer, softens trade threats

Donald Trump, newly sworn in for his second term as US president, made a private call to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Jan. 26, according to an official readout from Downing Street. This was their first conversation since Trump’s return to office, and both agreed to meet face-to-face “very soon.”

Interestingly, Starmer had said before that his friendship with Trump will remain solid despite the fact that Trump’s best friend Elon Musk hates him. He constantly berates him for his actions on X (formerly Twitter) and mocks him by calling him “Two Tier Keir.”

Meanwhile, Trump and Starmer’s conversation also came during a time of strained economic relations, with Trump’s plans to implement tariffs on February 1, targeting Canada, Mexico, and China. While the UK was not named as a direct target, the effects could easily affect the British economy via its exports.

Middle East discussions and a ceasefire deal

In their call, Trump and Starmer addressed the fragile situation in Gaza, where a ceasefire and ongoing hostages deal remain the focus of international attention. Both leaders agreed on the importance of collaboration and long-term security in the Middle East.

“The United States and the United Kingdom share a commitment to regional stability,” Starmer reportedly told Trump, according to Downing Street.

Just hours before the call, Trump imposed tariffs and travel bans on Colombia after the country refused to allow two planes carrying deported migrants to land on its soil.

The phone call is seen as an attempt to find common ground despite clear ideological differences. Starmer, leader of the center-left Labour Party, entered office last year and has clashed politically with Trump’s right-wing stance. But the UK appears keen to maintain a productive relationship with its most important ally.

Trade tensions and economic uncertainty

Trump’s February 1 tariff deadline loomed heavily over the conversation. There are concerns in Whitehall that the US president’s actions could damage global markets, including key trade routes for UK exports. Trump’s “America First” agenda often puts his allies in difficult positions, and this situation is no exception.

Speaking to reporters on Air Force One on Jan. 25, Trump said, “I like him a lot. He’s liberal, which is a little bit different for me. But I think he is a very good person. And I think he’s done a very good job thus far.”

Starmer is expected to visit Washington in the coming weeks, following up on the discussions held during the call. It will be the second high-profile interaction between the two leaders.

Last September, Starmer met Trump during a dinner in New York, which took place while Trump was campaigning for the presidency. At the time, Trump referred to Starmer as a “friend.”