Trump Commends Starmer for His ‘Very Good Job’ and Plans to Reach Out Within 24 Hours | US News
Donald Trump has expressed his belief that Sir Keir Starmer has “done a very good job” so far and mentioned that they will have a phone conversation “within the next 24 hours”.
The US president remarked that he and the prime minister “get along well”, despite Sir Keir being “liberal, which is somewhat different from me”.
“However, I believe he’s a very good person,” Mr. Trump stated. “I think he’s done a commendable job thus far.”
“He’s represented his country with his philosophy. While I may not share his views, I maintain a strong relationship with him.”
Sir Keir had previously enjoyed a dinner with Mr. Trump at Trump Tower in New York back in September, prior to the latter’s second presidential election, and has participated in two pre-inauguration calls with him.
Mr. Trump informed reporters aboard Air Force One that his first overseas trip might be to the UK, or possibly Saudi Arabia, which was his inaugural destination during his first term as president.
The US president stated, “Traditionally, it could be the UK”, although he previously traveled to Saudi Arabia after it committed to purchase billions of dollars’ worth of US goods.
“If the offer was right, I’d consider doing that again,” he commented.
Mr. Trump’s favorable comments about Sir Keir contrasted with those from billionaire Elon Musk, who has been a significant figure in his second presidency and has continuously called for the replacement of the prime minister.
Trump reverses Biden’s halt on 2,000lb bombs for Israel
Mr. Trump also mentioned that he had directed the US military to overturn a decision made by former president Joe Biden that paused the supply of heavy 2,000lb bombs to Israel.
“They’ve paid for them and have been waiting for a significant period,” Mr. Trump noted regarding the munitions.
Mr. Biden had suspended the delivery of these bombs over fears of their potential impact on civilians during Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
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Trump says Egypt and Jordan should take more Palestinians from Gaza
Additionally, Mr. Trump asserted that Egypt and Jordan ought to accept more Palestinians from Gaza, and when queried whether it was a temporary or permanent suggestion, he replied: “It could be either.”
Regarding his call with Jordan’s King Abdullah on Saturday, the president stated: “I told him I’d be pleased if you could take on more because I’m observing the entire Gaza Strip at present, and it’s chaotic, it’s a real disaster. I’d like him to accommodate more people.”
“I would like Egypt to take in some as well,” he continued, mentioning that he would talk to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al Sisi on Sunday.
He described the Palestinian territory as “effectively a demolition site, almost everything is obliterated and people are perishing there”, adding: “Thus, I’d prefer to engage with some of the Arab nations to construct housing in a different location where they might be able to live in peace for a change.”
President fires inspectors general at several agencies
Mr. Trump also affirmed that he had dismissed 17 independent inspectors general across various government agencies, indicating that he would “install competent people who will perform admirably”.
Inspectors generally serve as an independent check on mismanagement and abuse within US government agencies. Although they are appointed by the president, they are expected to maintain a nonpartisan stance, with some serving presidents from both parties.
This development follows the US State Department’s directive to freeze new funding for nearly all American foreign development aid subsequent to an executive order issued by Mr. Trump.