Badenoch: Trump’s Starmer Attacks Are ‘Childish’

Kemi Badenoch has criticized Donald Trump’s repeated criticisms of Keir Starmer as “childish,” as the Conservative leader has increasingly distanced herself from the U.S. president and his actions regarding Iran.

Badenoch Rebukes Trump’s Comments

Speaking before Trump again criticized Starmer for not being sufficiently supportive of U.S. military action, Badenoch used a social media video to describe Trump’s actions as counterproductive.

Badenoch stated she is “Keir Starmer’s biggest critic,” but added, “But the words coming from the White House are completely wrong. I think it’s actually quite childish. There is a lot that can be said behind closed doors.” She emphasized the importance of a united Western alliance, particularly with Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy visiting the UK, arguing that internal disputes send the wrong signal to opponents in Iran and Russia.

“We need to be strengthening between the UK and the US, irrespective of who is president and who is prime minister. But I think those words coming from the White House were childish,” Badenoch said.

Shift in Stance

This open rebuke marks a change for Badenoch, who previously sought to align her leadership style with Trump’s, praising his willingness to challenge the liberal elite.

Initially, Badenoch criticized Starmer for not allowing the U.S. to use UK bases following the first attacks on Iran, expressing support for the U.S. and Israel against the Iranian regime. However, she later denied calling for the UK to join the war.

Her evolving position is likely influenced by polling data indicating that the attack on Iran is unpopular with British voters, who do not favor increased UK involvement.

Trump’s Criticism of Starmer

Badenoch’s remarks followed Trump’s overnight comments criticizing Starmer for not immediately committing to sending a minesweeper to reopen the strait of Hormuz. Speaking at the White House while hosting the Irish taoiseach, Micheál Martin, Trump again condemned Starmer, with whom he previously had a positive relationship.

“Well, he hasn’t been supportive, and I think it’s a big mistake,” Trump said of the UK’s stance on Iran, suggesting it showed a lack of gratitude for U.S. efforts on trade with Britain. Trump claimed Starmer had offered two aircraft carriers, but only after the conflict ended, stating, “And I said: ‘No, no, we want things sent before the war, not after the war is won’. So, yeah, I’m disappointed with Keir. I like him, I think he’s a nice man, but I’m disappointed.” He then repeated his assessment that “unfortunately Keir is no Winston Churchill.”

UK government sources have disputed the claim that the U.S. requested aircraft carriers, citing the volatile situation in the strait of Hormuz as a reason against deploying vessels at this time.