Trump to freeze out UK PM: Daily Mail
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Keir Starmer is facing criticism after Donald Trump accused the Labour Party of interfering in US elections, according to sources.
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President-elect Donald Trump speaks at a rally ahead of the 60th Presidential Inauguration, on January 19, 2025, in Washington. (AP)
US President-elect Donald Trump might prioritize other world leaders over British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for invitations to Washington, following allegations of Labour Party involvement in US election affairs, according to Daily Mail.
Sources from the Mail on Sunday suggest that Keir Starmer will need to “eat humble pie” to secure a meeting with Donald Trump at the White House. In a Saturday report, the newspaper revealed that Trump’s advisors are weighing options to snub Starmer, including blocking the appointment of Labour figure Lord Mandelson as UK ambassador to Washington over his alleged connections to China.
Some of Trump's allies are reportedly considering Nigel Farage as a potential replacement for Keir Starmer, with the Mail on Sunday describing the idea as "revenge" for Labour's alleged actions. Farage is expected to attend Trump's inauguration on Monday, alongside former Prime Ministers Liz Truss and Boris Johnson.
Trump condemns Labour stance
During the 2024 US presidential election, Labour’s director of operations, Sofia Patel, sparked controversy by posting a LinkedIn appeal urging party staffers to campaign for Kamala Harris in critical swing states.
Nearly 100 Labour staff members reportedly took part in the initiative, drawing strong criticism from Donald Trump’s team. In retaliation, Trump’s allies filed a formal complaint with the Federal Election Commission, alleging that Labour engaged in foreign interference.
An unnamed Trump ally, speaking to the Mail on Sunday, denounced Labour’s actions as “election interference, plain and simple." They stated, "Who the f*** do these people think they are? Trump’s view is that it’s none of their business what is going on here, and they should have kept out." The source added that Labour’s involvement had left "a nasty taste in the mouth" for Trump and his team.
'Starmer is irrelevant'
Another insider revealed that Trump has strong UK connections and favors operating through unconventional channels, which "suits him just fine." They dismissed Keir Starmer as "irrelevant" and suggested that while a meeting might occur eventually, "the optics are more important" to the UK Prime Minister than to Trump.
A Downing Street source downplayed the reported tensions, stating, "Neither Sir Keir nor No. 10 is overly stressing about when he gets out there." Government insiders confirmed that "constructive" talks are underway with Trump’s team to arrange Starmer’s visit to Washington.
In an interview with the Financial Times, Starmer highlighted his efforts to foster a “constructive” relationship with Trump, expressing optimism that this approach could help protect the UK from potential punitive trade tariffs.
Donald Trump, set to be inaugurated today, is reportedly considering a second state visit to the UK. Insiders suggest he might circumvent the British government by appealing directly to the Royal Family. If approved, Trump would become the first elected politician in modern history to receive two state visits, following his 2019 visit hosted by the late Queen.
