What started as a press event between Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer quickly turned into a whirlwind of headlines, awkward exchanges, and a potential new jab at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
While the meeting was expected to center on trade, taxes, and international relations, Trump being Trump—veered way off script.
Subtle Dig or Just Classic Trump?
In true Trump fashion, while praising the British Royal Family, he made a curious comment that many believe was a thinly veiled swipe at the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Speaking glowingly of King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and other royals he’s met during his presidential tenure, Trump called them “really great people.”
Then came the twist.
He followed up with, “In that sense, I think the UK is very lucky… you could have people that weren’t great people. I don’t know if I can say that, but you could.”
While he didn’t drop any names, royal fans on social media were quick to interpret this as a calculated dig at Meghan and Harry—especially given their controversial departure from royal duties and open criticism of the monarchy.
Long History of Tension Between Trump and the Sussexes
Trump and the Sussexes have never been on warm terms.
Just earlier this year, Trump lashed out at Meghan, calling her “terrible” and suggesting Prince Harry was having a hard time because of her.
That comment followed a legal debate about Harry’s U.S. visa status due to past drug use, which he admitted in his memoir Spare.
Harry, for his part, seemed to clap back subtly at the Invictus Games by lamenting the world’s lack of moral character—again, not naming names, but the timing didn’t go unnoticed.
Donations That Stirred Political Waters
Despite the royal family’s tradition of staying politically neutral, Meghan and Harry’s Archewell Foundation has donated over $500,000 to progressive, Democrat-aligned causes.
This includes a sizeable chunk going to a nonprofit run by President Joe Biden’s daughter.
These political links have raised eyebrows—particularly among conservative circles—and Trump hasn’t hesitated to criticize the couple for being “too political” for royals.
Trump’s “Advice Hour” to Starmer: Cut Taxes, Ditch Wind Power, Fix Immigration
In one of the more bizarre parts of the joint press conference held at Trump’s Turnberry golf resort, the former U.S. president offered unsolicited political advice to the new UK Prime Minister.
“If you want to beat Farage,” Trump said, referring to Reform UK’s leader, “you need to cut taxes, lower energy prices, and stop illegal immigration.”
He even described UK immigration levels as “ruinous” and suggested that boats crossing the Channel are “loaded with bad people.”
Starmer mostly stood by silently as Trump dished out his version of political wisdom, which included criticism of wind energy, praise for oil and gas, and even a lecture on economic basics.
Praise for Royals, Shade for the Sussexes
Although Trump praised King Charles for his environmental efforts, he quickly switched gears to make his now-infamous remark about how the UK is “lucky” not to be stuck with “not great people.”
That shift in tone is what prompted a flurry of social media speculation about another dig aimed at Harry and Meghan.
Starmer Squirmed as Trump Slammed Sadiq Khan
Trump didn’t stop at royals.
He also reignited his feud with London Mayor Sadiq Khan, calling him a “nasty person” and accusing him of running London poorly.
Starmer, visibly uncomfortable, tried to defend Khan by saying he’s a “friend”—but Trump didn’t back down.
The whole exchange left the PM in a tight spot as he tried to balance diplomacy with damage control in front of the cameras.
An Awkward Compliment for Lady Starmer
Trump also managed to turn heads by showering praise on Starmer’s wife.
Referring to her as “highly respected,” he added, “I don’t know what he’s doing, but she’s very respected, as respected as him.”
It came off as a strange yet surprisingly civil comment from a man who had moments earlier launched verbal missiles.
Trump Rails Against Wind Farms and Defends Fossil Fuels
Returning to one of his familiar talking points, Trump didn’t hide his disdain for wind turbines.
Calling them “ugly monsters,” he criticized the UK’s heavy subsidies for wind power and pushed for more oil and gas extraction from the North Sea.
His stance stood in direct contrast to King Charles’ eco-conscious image—making his earlier praise for the monarch even more puzzling.
Epstein Rumors Resurface—and Trump Responds
During the Q&A, Trump was asked about Jeffrey Epstein and the infamous island that’s become synonymous with scandal.
“I never had the privilege,” he quipped, denying he ever visited.
He also shot down rumors of sending Epstein a risqué birthday card and reiterated he had no involvement in that world, contrasting himself with Bill Clinton, whom he claimed went 28 times.
Farm Taxes and Support for Agriculture
Shifting gears again, Trump criticized inheritance taxes on farmers, suggesting such policies could push families into financial despair.
While Starmer responded by saying his goal is to boost farmers’ income, Trump insisted American farmers face similar pressures and need relief.
Trade and Free Speech Tensions
Trump remained vague on whether he’d continue imposing tariffs on UK steel and pharmaceuticals but indicated a willingness to work with Britain.
On online censorship, Trump defended free speech—while Starmer clarified that new laws were designed to protect children rather than silence platforms like Trump’s Truth Social.
Wrapping Up with Love for Scotland
Before hopping on Air Force One for a private dinner in Aberdeen, Trump shared an emotional nod to his Scottish roots, declaring he plans to return yearly.
His mother was born on the Isle of Lewis, and he spoke about Scotland with the warmth he rarely reserves for other topics.
He even hinted at special trade agreements just for Scotland—like whisky exports—saying, “This is a part of the world I want to see thrive.”
What’s Next?
Whether Trump’s press conference was a strategic masterclass or just a typical Trump show, one thing’s clear—it stirred headlines across royal, political, and international fronts.
Between soft jabs at Meghan and Harry, unsolicited policy lectures to Starmer, and praise for Lady Starmer, the ex-president dominated the room.
With elections looming on both sides of the Atlantic, this meeting might just be a teaser of the drama yet to unfold.