Trump slams Starmer again, says Putin fears US not Europe
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President Donald Trump has resumed his criticism of Keir Starmer over the British Prime Minister’s stance on the Iran war launched by the United States and Israel.
Speaking on Monday at the White House, Trump, who earlier called Starmer “no Churchill,” questioned his insistence that he needs to make certain decisions with the support of the cabinet.
“You’re the Prime Minister, you can make the decision yourself,” Trump said. “Why do you have to meet with your team to decide whether you’re going to send minesweepers or some boats?”
On Monday, Starmer reiterated that the United Kingdom would not be drawn into the combat but would work with allies on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and de-escalating tensions in the Middle East.
But President Trump commended France for its support, scoring the French contribution 8 on a scale of 10. “Not perfect, but it’s France—we don’t expect perfect,” he added.
On Europe’s face-off with Russia, the U.S. leader stated that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization does not influence his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin.
“Putin fears us; he has no fear of Europe,” Trump stressed. “He fears the United States of America and the military that was built by me in the first term.”
The President faulted European leaders for hesitating over participation in the Iran war, saying, “they should be jumping to help us because we helped them for many years.”
Washington has urged its allies in Europe to immediately send mine boats to the Strait of Hormuz blocked by Iran, which has struck several vessels, disrupting global oil supply.
Trump, however, insists many Iranians oppose the leadership, but can’t risk their lives to avoid being killed. “They can be brave, but they’re not stupid. They have no guns, while there are snipers in buildings.”
On Monday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz pushed back against the U.S. demand for NATO’s full participation in the war, noting that the body “is a defense alliance and not an intervention alliance.”
“I pointed out the risks from the first day, and the risks of this war are large,” he said. “There will be no military solution here, but there will only be a political solution.”
