Keir Starmer has once again found himself at the center of international criticism, this time from voices closely connected to former U.S. President Donald Trump. According to political activist Raheem Kassam, who has long been linked to right-wing politics in both the UK and the U.S., Trump’s allies view Starmer as a deeply disappointing leader on the world stage.
Kassam, formerly chief adviser to Nigel Farage during his time leading UKIP, now maintains a direct line to influential figures in Washington. Speaking on GB News with Ben Leo, Kassam disclosed that Trump’s inner circle sees Starmer as “the worst thing” they could have inherited in terms of a transatlantic partner. This revelation underscores the perception gap between the Labour government in London and conservative power brokers in America.
When asked whether Trump and his team would prefer Nigel Farage as prime minister, Kassam did not hesitate. He called it a “no-brainer,” emphasizing that Trump and Farage share a strong alignment on issues ranging from border control to free speech. According to Kassam, the rapport between the two men is far stronger than anything the Trump camp feels toward Starmer.
Kassam also described Trump as a surprisingly diplomatic figure in private. He recounted a visit to Trump’s New York penthouse where the former president immediately offered him hospitality in a personable manner. Yet, Kassam stressed that while Trump values diplomacy, he also understands its limits. This, he suggested, explains why Trump’s team has little patience for leaders they view as weak or ideologically opposed.
Delving into the criticisms, Kassam revealed that Trump’s circle considers Starmer a poor partner on key issues such as intelligence cooperation, freedom of speech, and democratic values. “They think Keir Starmer is probably the worst thing they could have possibly inherited as a partner,” Kassam stated bluntly. Still, he acknowledged that Trump’s allies recognize the realities of democracy: Starmer was elected, and Washington has no choice but to engage with him.
Kassam attempted to soften the critique by noting that Starmer also inherited a difficult political landscape. He argued that the Conservative Party had long since abandoned true conservatism, leaving Starmer with a weakened and divided Britain. Moreover, Kassam criticized UK voters for repeatedly electing both Labour and Conservative governments despite long-standing dissatisfaction, suggesting that real change will only come with broader political shifts.
This controversy comes as Starmer faces growing domestic pressure from Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party. Just recently, Starmer acknowledged that his government is in what he called “a battle for the soul of the country.” A central flashpoint in this struggle is the introduction of the controversial “Brit Card,” a new policy aimed at curbing illegal migration. While Starmer frames the measure as necessary for national security, Reform UK portrays it as too little, too late.
Speaking at the Global Progress Action Summit in London, Starmer warned against what he described as grievance-based politics. He argued that parties like Reform UK thrive on highlighting problems rather than solving them, exploiting public frustration for political gain.
In short, Kassam’s remarks highlight how Starmer’s leadership is viewed with skepticism not only at home but also by influential figures abroad. For a prime minister who insists he is fighting for national unity, this latest critique from across the Atlantic adds yet another challenge to his already turbulent tenure.
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