President Donald Trump unexpectedly predicted the resignation of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sunday, ahead of any official announcement from Downing Street. In a social media post, Trump stated, “Keir Starmer will resign as Prime Minister of The United Kingdom,” criticizing Starmer for what he described as failures on immigration and energy policy. He concluded with a conventional well-wish, adding, “I wish him well!”
The prediction came amid ongoing speculation about Starmer’s political future following a series of setbacks for his Labour Party, including substantial losses in local elections held in May. The prospects of a leadership challenge intensified on Friday after Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham secured a parliamentary seat in a special election, positioning him as a key potential rival.
British media had reported earlier on Sunday that Starmer was contemplating resignation, but Trump’s intervention represented a rare and direct commentary from a sitting U.S. president on the internal affairs of an ally. Some political observers expressed surprise at Trump’s assertiveness. ITV’s Robert Peston noted the president’s disregard for diplomatic boundaries, quoting a cabinet minister who said Starmer had “genuinely not made a decision to quit” at that time. Broadcaster Piers Morgan described the situation as “the final humiliation” for Starmer.
Downing Street confirmed that there had been no communication between Starmer and Trump over the weekend, casting doubt on the source of the president’s information. However, a senior Labour MP, speaking anonymously, indicated that some party members were being briefed on an imminent resignation and asserted that Starmer no longer commanded the confidence of his colleagues. The MP suggested it was “only right that he now steps aside.”
Relations between Trump and Starmer have been strained for months. Earlier this year, Trump disparaged Starmer during debates over Britain’s support for U.S. military actions in Iran, and the two leaders refrained from holding a bilateral meeting at the recent Group of Seven summit in France. Additionally, in recent days, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni publicly accused Trump of fabricating a claim that she had “begged” to take a photo with him, further highlighting tensions between Trump and European leaders.
Starmer’s leadership has been challenged within Labour following disappointing performances not only against the Conservatives but also the populist Reform UK party, led by Nigel Farage. On Friday, Starmer vowed to resist any leadership contest but has remained publicly silent since. Senior party insiders suggest he spent the weekend considering his next steps.
Political commentators have debated the inevitability of Starmer’s departure, focusing on the manner and timing rather than the possibility. Discussions center on whether Labour will hold a contested leadership race, potentially involving figures such as former health secretary Wes Streeting, or unite behind a single candidate.
Britain has seen significant political instability since the 2016 Brexit referendum, and a resignation by Starmer would mark Britain’s seventh prime minister in ten years. Meanwhile, Burnham’s recent parliamentary victory has been viewed by many within Labour as a possible turning point amid the party’s declining support.
On Sunday, Starmer limited his public commentary to acknowledging Father’s Day with a brief social media post, stating, “Being a dad is my great joy.”