Trump backs new UK PM Andy Burnham, says ‘he’ll be able to do it’ amid Britain's political turmoil

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump expressed confidence in Britain's newly sworn in Prime Minister Andy Burnham after the two leaders held their first phone call, signaling a positive start to a relationship that had once appeared unlikely.

The conversation came as Burnham assumed office during another period of political uncertainty in the United Kingdom. Trump said the two discussed trade, North Sea oil production, the US-UK military alliance, and efforts to demining the Strait of Hormuz, while voicing optimism about Burnham's ability to lead Britain through the challenges ahead.

Trump backs Andy Burnham after first phone call as UK prime minister

The friendly exchange marked a notable shift from where relations between the two men once stood. Burnham, who built a national profile as Labour's "King in the North" during his tenure as Mayor of Greater Manchester, had previously been a vocal critic of Trump. Following the January 6 Capitol riot, he wrote that any UK politician who gave Trump "the time of day should be ashamed."

Trump, meanwhile, had appeared cool toward Burnham in the weeks leading up to his becoming prime minister.

His relationship with Burnham's predecessor, Keir Starmer, had grown increasingly strained in recent months. Trump repeatedly criticized Starmer over his handling of the Iran conflict and immigration policy, at one point remarking, "This is not Winston Churchill we're dealing with."

After Starmer announced his resignation last month, Trump said the outgoing prime minister had "failed badly" on immigration and energy policy.

The details of Trump's call with Burnham were shared in a post on Truth Social, where the president described it as a productive first conversation and confirmed the two leaders plan to meet in person soon.

Trump wrote, "I had a very good conversation with the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Andy Burnham."

"We discussed many subjects, including the outstanding relationship we have had with the UK. We will be meeting in the not too distant future for topics of mutual interest. The Prime Minister has got a big job ahead of him, but he will be able to do it and, of course, the USA will be there to help!"

He added that the leaders "discussed North Sea Oil, Trade, the Military Alliance, Demining of the Hormuz Strait, and many other topics. The call was interesting, and went very well."

Trump concluded by wishing Burnham "good luck and godspeed."

Andy Burnham takes office amid Britain's political turmoil

Burnham became Britain's seventh prime minister in a decade after Keir Starmer resigned following Labour's heavy losses in local elections.

In his first speech as prime minister, Burnham described the leadership transition as "a circuit breaker for Britain" and pledged to "regain our stability," while acknowledging growing public frustration with politics. He has also invited Trump to Manchester ahead of the G20 summit scheduled to be held there in 2027.

Trump's public endorsement comes as Burnham begins his premiership facing significant political and economic challenges. Whether the positive tone established during their first conversation translates into a stronger US-UK partnership will likely become clearer as the two leaders prepare for their planned in-person meeting and work together on shared priorities, including energy, trade, and defense cooperation.