Trump Hails Starmer's 'Fantastic' Move on Migrant Boats in UK

In a striking display of transatlantic camaraderie, President Donald Trump met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Trump Turnberry golf club in Scotland, where he lauded Starmer's tough stance on illegal immigration across the English Channel. Trump called the U.K.'s efforts a "fantastic thing," emphasizing the importance of curbing undocumented entries, especially when the origins and intentions of those crossing are unclear.

Trump, reflecting on his own administration's border policies, pointed out the stark contrast in numbers, with zero illegal entries last month under his watch compared to significant figures during the previous administration. He expressed admiration for Starmer's resolve, particularly in light of the Labour government's recent actions to remove around 35,000 individuals without legal right to remain in the U.K. since taking office in July 2024.

The discussion wasn't just about numbers. Trump painted a broader picture, warning that Europe, a region he holds dear due to personal ties—his mother was born in Scotland—risks losing its identity if mass migration isn't addressed. "You cannot let people come in here illegally," he stressed, highlighting the potential for crime and societal strain when countries offload their unwanted onto others.

Starmer, under mounting pressure to fulfill campaign promises on migration, shared details of innovative measures like the 'one in, one out' pilot scheme with France, aimed at deterring dangerous small boat crossings. Despite a 50% surge in such crossings this year, his administration has rolled out what they call the "world's first" sanctions regime targeting smuggling networks, alongside a new Border Security Command to fortify U.K. borders.

The meeting, set against the backdrop of a freshly inked U.S.-EU trade deal framework, underscored that while economics dominate headlines, the undercurrent of migration policy remains a shared concern for leaders on both sides of the Atlantic. Trump's praise for Starmer signals a mutual understanding: borders matter, and the fight to secure them is far from over.