Donald Trump has criticised Britain’s immigration and energy policies in a phone call with Sky News, just hours after Buckingham Palace announced King Charles’s upcoming state visit to America. US President Mr Trump praised King Charles as “a great gentleman”, “a great friend of mine” and “a fantastic person” during the interview with presenter Mark Stone. Mr Trump said he was looking forward to the monarch’s four-day trip to Washington, New York and Virginia.
However, Mr Trump described the US-UK special relationship as “sad” and accused Sir Keir Starmer’s government of “tragic mistakes”. Mr Trump warned that bad immigration and energy policies mean “you can’t succeed. Not possible.” Mr Trump added that America gave Britain a good trade deal “which can always be changed”, in comments that appeared to link trade to policy rows, including over Iran. Mr Stone said Mr Trump sounded “really sad” about Britain’s direction while remaining positive about the Royal Family.
When asked if his criticism of Sir Keir would make the King’s visit awkward, Mr Trump replied: “No, not at all. I like Starmer.”
This is the latest in a long line of Mr Trump’s swipes against Britain. Mr Trump has repeatedly branded London Mayor Sadiq Khan a “horrible”, “nasty”, “vicious, disgusting” and “incompetent” mayor who has made the capital “a different place” and even suggested parts of London were heading for “Sharia law”.
Mr Trump has called the UK’s net-zero energy policy “suicidal” and “delusional”, slammed immigration as “very rough” and a disaster that is “destroying” the country, and said Sir Keir is “no Winston Churchill”.
YouGov polling in March 2026 showed just 14% of Britons view Mr Trump favourably, with 81% unfavourable. A separate survey found nearly half of Britons think King Charles should cancel or rethink the US visit amid tensions.
No 10 has insisted the royal trip will go ahead as planned and played down any awkwardness.
