Trump Disagrees With Starmer Over Palestinian Statehood Plan/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ At their joint press conference in the UK, President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the “special relationship” but admitted a key divide: Palestinian statehood. Starmer reaffirmed Britain’s intention to formally recognize Palestine as part of a broader peace framework, while Trump disagreed, citing the Hamas attacks of October 7. The exchange highlighted the allies’ unity on some issues but exposed differences on Gaza, Israel, and Middle East strategy.
Trump-Starmer Press Conference – Quick Looks
- Starmer reaffirmed Britain’s plan to recognize a Palestinian state.
- Trump disagreed, citing Hamas’s October 7 attacks on Israel.
- Both leaders underscored “unbreakable bonds” between the UK and U.S.
- Ukraine war: Trump said Putin “let me down,” while Starmer urged more pressure on Russia.
- Gaza war: Starmer called the situation “intolerable,” Trump demanded hostage releases.
- Bagram Airbase: Trump claimed the U.S. is trying to regain it from the Taliban.
- Free speech: Starmer defended Britain’s protections; Trump dismissed Kimmel as “not talented.”
- Charlie Kirk: Trump honored the slain conservative activist, calling him “presidential material.”
- TikTok: Trump teased a deal with Xi Jinping to keep the app under majority U.S. control.
- Epstein fallout: Both leaders avoided details on ex-ambassador Peter Mandelson’s firing.
Deep Look
Trump and Starmer Clash Over Palestinian Statehood Amid Joint News Conference at Chequers
AYLESBURY, England — Standing side by side at the close of a high-profile state visit, President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Keir Starmer projected unity on the U.S.-UK “special relationship” but revealed one of their rare points of disagreement: whether now is the time to recognize a Palestinian state.
When asked by a reporter about the prospects for peace in Gaza and Israel, Starmer made clear Britain’s position.
“Not only did we discuss this morning, but our two teams have been working together,” Starmer said. “Recognition needs to be seen as part of a broader package that takes us from the appalling situation we’re in now to the outcome of a safe and secure Israel and a viable Palestinian state.”
Trump, however, struck a different tone. He reminded the audience of the October 7 Hamas attacks, which killed more than 1,200 people in Israel.
“So I have a disagreement with the Prime Minister on that score,” Trump said. “One of our few disagreements actually.”
Shared Strength, Different Approaches
The press conference at Chequers, the UK leader’s countryside retreat, was meant to highlight unity after days of pageantry and policy announcements. Both leaders praised the U.S.-UK bond as “unbreakable,” touting a new tech prosperity deal that brought record investment pledges.
Yet the Middle East conflict exposed clear divergences. While Starmer framed recognition of a Palestinian state as a necessary step toward de-escalation, Trump called for immediate hostage releases and offered few details on his long-term vision for Gaza.
Ukraine: Trump Says Putin ‘Let Me Down’
The two leaders also discussed the war in Ukraine. Starmer stressed that Russia’s relentless attacks proved Vladimir Putin had no interest in peace, urging greater international pressure.
Trump admitted he misjudged Putin. “He let me down,” the president said, adding that the war was proving harder to resolve than expected. He claimed that if global oil prices fall, “Putin will drop out of the war.”
Starmer interjected that only when leaders put “extra pressure” on Putin had the Russian president shown signs of movement.
Other Flashpoints at the Press Conference
Bagram Airbase: Trump surprised reporters by declaring the U.S. is trying to regain Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan from the Taliban, citing its strategic location near China’s nuclear sites.
Free Speech: Starmer rebuffed Trump administration criticism that Britain was curbing free expression.
“Free speech is one of the founding values of the United Kingdom, and we protect it fiercely,” he said.
Jimmy Kimmel Suspension: Trump doubled down on his feud with late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, calling him “not a talented person” and claiming ABC fired him for “bad ratings.” Democrats in Washington, meanwhile, accuse Trump’s FCC of abusing its power to silence critics.
Charlie Kirk Assassination: Trump paid tribute to slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, saying he believed Kirk “could have been president one day.”
TikTok Negotiations: Trump hinted at progress in talks with China’s Xi Jinping over TikTok, praising its “tremendous value” and suggesting a U.S.-led investor consortium could soon finalize a deal.
Epstein and Diplomacy: Both leaders sidestepped questions about former UK ambassador Peter Mandelson, fired last week after revelations of ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Trump claimed not to know him, despite being pictured together in May. Starmer said new information had come to light, forcing his decision.
Palestinian Statehood as the Breaking Point
Despite warm rhetoric throughout the state visit, the disagreement over Palestinian recognition loomed largest. Starmer framed it as a path toward peace in Gaza, while Trump stood firmly against.
The exchange underscored the delicate balance of U.S.-UK relations, where shared economic and security priorities often contrast with divergent foreign policy approaches—particularly in the Middle East.
Conclusion
Trump’s final day in Britain reflected both unity and friction: a celebration of alliance and investment, but also disagreements on Gaza, Ukraine, and media freedom.
As the press conference closed, Starmer emphasized cooperation despite differences. “Our relationship is built on respect,” he said. Trump nodded, acknowledging the bond—even as their views on Palestinian statehood left a clear divide.
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