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Trump Stirs the Pot, Claims UK PM Keir Starmer Will Resign

| Source: CNBC Translated from Indonesian | Politics
Trump Stirs the Pot, Claims UK PM Keir Starmer Will Resign
Image: CNBC

US President Donald Trump has added fuel to the political speculation engulfing Britain by openly stating that Prime Minister Keir Starmer will step down from his post. The statement emerged as British media widely reported the possibility of Starmer soon announcing a resignation timetable amid mounting political pressure. In a post on Truth Social on Sunday (21/6/2026) local time, Trump explicitly declared the political future of the Labour Party leader was at an end. “Keir Starmer will resign as Prime Minister of Great Britain,” Trump wrote. The statement immediately drew widespread attention because it remains unclear whether Trump possesses specific information regarding Starmer’s plans or was merely commenting on the speculation developing in the UK. Reports from British news agency PA Media stated that Trump and Starmer have not held further talks since they met at the G7 summit in France earlier this week. Therefore, there is no indication that Trump’s statement was based on direct communication with the British leader. In the same post, Trump also launched a sharp critique of the Starmer administration’s performance. The US President assessed that policy failures in two key sectors were the cause of the weakening political position of the British leader. “He failed totally on two very important issues - IMMIGRATION AND ENERGY,” Trump wrote. Trump even renewed his call for Britain to reopen oil and gas exploration in the North Sea. “(OPEN NORTH SEA OIL!),” he added. On several previous occasions, Trump repeatedly urged the British government to reverse its policy of halting new oil and gas exploration licences in the North Sea region. He also openly criticised the development of wind turbine farms, which form a key part of Britain’s energy transition strategy. The relationship between Trump and Starmer has experienced quite complex dynamics. At the start of the Labour government, Starmer even earned the nickname “Trump whisperer” for his perceived ability to maintain good relations with the US President despite significant ideological differences between the two. However, in recent months, the relationship has appeared strained, particularly regarding the Iran conflict. Starmer has been one of the Western leaders who has received open criticism and reprimands from Trump on several occasions concerning the approach to the war involving Iran. Responding to Trump’s claim, the British Prime Minister’s office did not issue a direct denial. A Downing Street spokesperson merely referred to Starmer’s last statement delivered on Friday. In that statement, Starmer asserted he remained focused on carrying out his duties as head of government. “There is still much to do, and that is my focus, which I was indeed elected to do, namely to serve my country,” Starmer said. The spokesperson added that the government had no further comment to make at this time. Signals that Starmer’s position is increasingly under pressure also came from within the British cabinet itself. Business Secretary Peter Kyle told the BBC on Sunday that Starmer was considering the various political realities he faces. According to Kyle, the prime minister is using this weekend to reflect on the developing situation. He said Starmer would do “what is in the best interest of the country.” Many observers considered this statement an indication that various options, including resignation, are being seriously considered by the Labour leader. Speculation about Starmer’s possible departure has also intensified after several British media outlets reported that internal Labour Party support is beginning to shift towards Andy Burnham. Burnham, the former Mayor of Manchester, recently secured an important victory in a by-election. That victory is seen as a major political momentum strengthening his position as a potential candidate to replace Starmer should a leadership change occur. Several reports even suggest Starmer could announce his resignation plan on Monday (22/6/2026), although there has been no official confirmation from Downing Street or from Starmer himself to date. If that scenario materialises, Britain will face one of its most significant political transitions in recent years. A change of leadership amidst economic challenges, migration issues, energy policy, and global geopolitical dynamics is expected to be a major test for the Labour government.

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