Trump and Starmer Hold High-Stakes Bilateral at Turnberry, Discuss Trade, Gaza, Ukraine, and Immigration
U.S. President Donald Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer met on Monday at Trump Turnberry, a coastal resort in Scotland owned by the American president, to discuss a broad slate of issues spanning trade, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the war in Ukraine, and U.K. immigration policy.
The meeting began at approximately 12:30 p.m. local time and was announced publicly via an X post by the White House.
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| Image Source: White House |
While the United Kingdom was not a party to that agreement, both leaders focused on refining an existing U.S.-U.K. deal that had earlier reduced U.S. tariffs on British car exports from 27.5% to 10%, and removed 10% tariffs on aerospace products.
Trump appeared to rule out further tariff reductions on British steel and aluminum, currently subject to 25% and 50% rates respectively.
Starmer, who has previously pushed for relief on those fronts, did not publicly comment on tariff revisions following the meeting.
.@POTUS on Gaza: "We'll be helping with the food ... We're also going to make sure that they don't have barriers stopping people ... We can save a lot of people. That's real starvation. I see it, and you can't fake that." pic.twitter.com/zcFiVYCxrE
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) July 28, 2025
Gaza featured prominently in the discussion. Trump referenced a recent U.S. aid package of $60 million and acknowledged the worsening humanitarian situation in the region, stating that the images of malnourished children were “very troubling.”
He noted that “other nations are now stepping up” but emphasized that the U.S. was leading efforts. Starmer echoed the urgency, calling the crisis “an absolute catastrophe” and adding that “people in Britain are revolted at what they’re seeing on their screens.”
Both leaders stressed the need for humanitarian corridors, with Starmer highlighting challenges in aid delivery and the importance of international coordination.
On Ukraine, Trump expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying, “I’m disappointed in President Putin, very disappointed in him,” and signaled that the 50-day ceasefire timeline he had previously proposed could be shortened.
He warned of escalating economic consequences if no progress is made. While Starmer did not speak at length on Ukraine during the joint appearance, he has previously expressed support for diplomatic efforts coordinated with France and other NATO allies.
Immigration policy was also reportedly discussed, though specifics remain sparse. The topic has gained increased visibility in the U.K. amid rising arrivals and recent legislative shifts under Starmer’s government.
Trump has long made immigration a cornerstone of his domestic agenda, and it is understood that both sides shared updates on evolving policy frameworks.
The setting of the meeting -- a Trump-owned property -- once again drew scrutiny over the overlap between the president’s private business interests and official duties.
Critics online pointed to potential conflicts of interest, though the White House maintained that Turnberry was chosen for logistical and security reasons during Trump’s European visit.
Public reaction to the White House’s announcement was sharply divided. Supporters praised the engagement between the two leaders and the promotion of U.S.-U.K. strategic alignment, while critics raised unrelated allegations, including calls for transparency on Trump’s past controversies.
The meeting, while short on new formal announcements, reaffirmed both countries’ shared interests in trade stability, geopolitical coordination, and ongoing humanitarian efforts.
Analysts say it also positions the U.K. as a bridge between the U.S. and the European Union at a time of realignment in global trade and diplomacy. Further developments may emerge as both governments continue negotiations in the weeks ahead.