Trump on King's Upcoming US Visit
US President Donald Trump has stated that the forthcoming state visit by King Charles and Queen Camilla to the United States could "absolutely" help to repair relations with the United Kingdom.
During a phone interview with the BBC, Trump was asked whether the visit might aid in mending the relationship between the two nations. He responded:
"Absolutely. He's fantastic. He's a fantastic man. Absolutely the answer is yes."
Trump further elaborated on his personal acquaintance with the King:
"I know him well, I've known him for years. He's a brave man, and he's a great man. They would absolutely be a positive."
Comments on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer
The President also addressed his relationship with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, suggesting that Starmer could only "recover" if he changed his approach to immigration policies.
Trump remarked that Starmer's recovery depended on policy shifts, specifically:
"If he opened the North Sea and if his immigration policies became strong, which right now they're not, he can recover, but if he doesn't, I don't think he has a chance."
Details of the Royal Visit
King Charles and Queen Camilla are scheduled to begin a four-day visit to the US starting Monday. Their itinerary includes a meeting with President Trump at the White House.
The King will hold a private meeting with the President and is also set to deliver an address to Congress.
Following two days in Washington DC, the royal couple will travel to New York, Virginia, and Bermuda before returning to the United Kingdom.
The UK Foreign Office has stated that the visit will commemorate the 250th anniversary of US independence and celebrate the longstanding partnership characterized by "shared prosperity, security and history."
Trump's Views on UK-US Relations and Iran Conflict
In the interview conducted on Thursday, Trump was questioned about his relationship with Prime Minister Starmer, noting that the two leaders have shown differences, particularly concerning the war in Iran.
Starmer has faced increasing scrutiny over his appointment of Lord Mandelson as the UK ambassador to the US. Trump criticized this decision in a post on Truth Social on Monday, stating:
"Lord Mandelson was a really bad pick"
He added that the Prime Minister had "plenty of time to recover."
Regarding the possibility of mending ties with Starmer, Trump said:
"If he opened the North Sea and if his immigration policies became strong, which right now they're not, he can recover, but if he doesn't, I don't think he has a chance."
Trump has consistently urged the UK to increase oil and gas extraction in the North Sea.
He has also criticized the UK government and other allies for their responses to the conflict in Iran. Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the level of support provided by the UK, while Starmer has maintained that the country will not be drawn into a "wider war."
When asked why he required allies such as the UK to participate, Trump told the BBC:
"I didn't need them at all but they should've been there. I didn't need them, obviously."
He further stated:
"We've wiped Iran's military out."
Trump described his calls for support as a test:
"I wanted to see whether or not they would be involved,"
and characterized it as "more of a test."
Trump's Remarks on Iran Deal Threat
Trump was also questioned about a recent threat he made earlier this month, stating that "a whole civilisation will die tonight" unless Iran agreed to a deal. This comment drew widespread condemnation, including from the Pope and the head of the United Nations.
Responding to the criticism, Trump said:
"The other side is dying to make a deal. So whatever I'm saying or whatever I'm doing, it seems to be working very well."
