AYLESBURY, England, September 18, 2025 — Speaking alongside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers during a state visit, US President Donald Trump declared that Russian President Vladimir Putin had “let me down” and voiced firm opposition to London’s planned recognition of a Palestinian state, setting the stage for a rare transatlantic disagreement.
Trump, who used the televised appearance to revisit several global flashpoints, made clear that while he praised the strength of the UK-US alliance, he strongly disagreed with Britain’s approach to Middle East diplomacy.
“I have a disagreement with the prime minister on that score, one of the few disagreements actually,” Trump said, responding to a question on the UK’s pledge to formally acknowledge a Palestinian state. “We stand firmly with Israel, and I don’t believe now is the time to move forward with that recognition.”
Starmer, who has emphasized the humanitarian toll of the conflict, said the government in London views recognition as part of a larger framework for peace. “The situation in Gaza is intolerable,” the prime minister insisted.
“Hostages must be freed, aid has to get in at speed, and within that context the question of recognition needs to be seen. We are clear that peace must mean a safe and secure Israel and a viable Palestinian state.”
The contrast between the two leaders was sharp, though both sought to underline areas of unity. Trump hailed the partnership, declaring, “We’re forever joined, and we are forever friends, and we will always be friends.”
He also announced new bilateral cooperation on technology and defense, saying, “We have just signed a historic technology prosperity deal, one of a kind, to ensure our countries lead the next great technological revolution side by side.”
Turning to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Trump said he had expected his personal ties with Vladimir Putin to help resolve the conflict, but admitted those hopes had faded.
“The one that I thought would be easiest would be because of my relationship with President Putin, but he’s let me down, he’s really let me down,” Trump said.
“He’s killing many people, and frankly Russian soldiers are being killed at a higher rate than Ukrainian soldiers.” He added that “this never would have happened if I had been president before. Most people agree it wasn’t supposed to happen.”
Starmer warned that Moscow’s actions had escalated. “In recent days, Putin has shown his true face, mounting the biggest attack since the invasion began, with yet more bloodshed and unprecedented violations of NATO airspace,” the British leader said.
He stressed that these “are not the actions of someone who wants peace” and argued that pressure on Russia must increase to push it toward a settlement.
On the Middle East, Trump focused almost exclusively on Israeli hostages in Gaza, saying he wanted their release “immediately” and referring again to the trauma of the October 7 attacks.
He offered sympathy to families of the captives but avoided references to Palestinian civilian casualties, in contrast to Starmer’s repeated emphasis on humanitarian needs.
“We have to remember October 7, one of the worst, most violent days in the history of the world,” Trump said. “Israel must be able to defend itself, and recognition of a Palestinian state at this time would not help that defense.”
The two leaders also touched on Afghanistan, with Trump surprising reporters by revealing he wanted to regain access to the Bagram air base. “We’re trying to get it back because they need things from us, and one of the reasons is, as you know, it’s an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons,” he said.
Both men spoke at length about NATO. Trump praised the alliance for raising defense spending benchmarks, saying, “NATO has really worked very hard, and we’re sending a lot of weapons to NATO.
They’re paying for those weapons in full, and we’re doing a great job.” Starmer agreed that collective defense remained essential, though he added that “any strategy must also include a serious path to peace.”
The joint press conference, still underway as reporters pressed both leaders on free speech controversies, also veered into domestic disputes. Trump attacked US talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, claiming he was removed from television for “bad ratings” after making what he called “a horrible statement about Charlie Kirk.”
Starmer, when asked about the free speech debate, said, “Free speech is one of the founding values of the United Kingdom, and we protect it justly and fiercely. We draw the line at those who want to push harm to children, but otherwise free speech is defended.”
Despite the tensions over a Palestinian state, both Trump and Starmer emphasized that the broader alliance remains intact. “We’ve solved seven wars already,” Trump claimed, insisting progress was possible.
“The Russia and Ukraine conflict will get done, Israel and Gaza will get done. These things are going to be resolved.” Starmer, for his part, said that differences between close allies “are natural” but insisted, “the relationship between our countries is stronger than ever.”
As the press conference continued, analysts noted that Trump’s language on Putin and the Palestinian state marked some of his clearest departures yet from London’s new foreign policy priorities, even as both leaders tried to project solidarity in front of the cameras.
