British Prime Minister Keir Starmer played live fact-checker during the start of his Thursday meeting with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance at the White House.
Starmer arrived ready to talk about financing Ukraine’s security—a responsibility that Trump has balked at in recent weeks. The president has criticized the global response to Russia’s invasion as being unfairly reliant on U.S. resources. Yet as the two world leaders took press questions from the Oval Office, Starmer was forced to cut the president off at several moments to interject facts.
When Trump was asked how the United Kingdom could avoid the tariffs levied against Canada and Mexico, Trump waxed on, alleging a tariff imbalance with the European Union before rambling about the property he owns in the U.K.
“I have investments there. I have Turnberry. I have Aberdeen,” said Trump referring to his hotel and golf properties. “I own a great place called Doonbeg in Ireland so—”
Cutting Trump off, Starmer clarified the trade relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States is actually “fair, balanced and reciprocal.” He added, “In fact you have a little bit of a surplus. So we are in a different position.”
Starmer also swatted away Trump’s claim that all countries providing assistance to Ukraine will be repaid with interest except the U.S.
“They get their money back by giving money. We don’t get the money back. I thought it was a very unfair situation,” said Trump.
Starmer clarified, “We’re not getting all of ours. I mean, quite a bit of ours was gifted.”
Trump and Starmer proceeded to trade banter as they were also asked about their respective relationships with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Asked if he still believes Zelensky is a dictator, Trump feigned disbelief, saying, “Did I say that? I can’t believe I said that. Next question.”
When asked about securing a peace deal that “will stick” between Russian and Ukraine, Trump suggested that the U.S. may not even need to get involved.
”Ive known [Putin] for a long time now, and I don’t believe he will violate his word.” Looking to Starmer, Trump said the United Kingdom and France have already committed to protecting Ukraine.
“I don’t think we are even going to be necessary,” said Trump.
Starmer interjected with, “We are going to discuss.” He added, that America’s involvement is very much needed and a key part of why he was meeting with Trump today.
Starmer also got the chance to fact-check Vance after the vice president claimed that free speech was “in retreat” in the United Kingdom.
When a reporter asked Trump about Vance’s comments and the differences between the United States and the U.K., Trump kicked the question to Vance, who declared, ”I said what I said.” He added, “We have a special relationship with the UK and our European allies, but there have been infringements on free speech.”
Not letting the comment go, Starmer added, “We’ve had free speech for a very long time, it will last a long time, and we are very proud of that.”
Asked if he agrees with Vance’s comments, Starmer clarified, “No. I mean, I certainly we wouldn’t want to reach across the U.S., and we don’t, and that’s absolutely right. In relation to free speech in the U.K.. I’m very proud of our history there.”
Starmer hand-delivered a letter inviting Trump for a “State Visit” to the United Kingdom upon his arrival to the White House. The two leaders are expected to come out of their meeting today with a deal to fortify Ukraine’s defense.
President Zelensky is then expected to visit the White House on Friday to sign a “very big agreement,” reported BBC.
