Britain’s newly installed Prime Minister Andy Burnham received a call from President Donald Trump shortly after taking office, with Trump describing the exchange as productive and promising.
Trump stated that he and Burnham plan to meet in the “not too distant future” to work through issues of mutual importance to both nations.
The leaders covered a broad range of topics during the call, including North Sea oil, trade, the U.S.-U.K. military alliance, and efforts to clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz.
“We discussed many subjects, including the outstanding relationship we have had with the UK,” Trump said, signaling a warm opening to what could be a complex diplomatic relationship.
Trump also offered an encouraging assessment of the new prime minister’s prospects, pledging direct American support for Burnham’s administration as it gets underway.
“The Prime Minister has got a big job ahead of him, but he will be able to do it and, of course, the U.S.A. will be there to help!” Trump said.
Burnham’s office confirmed the call and said the prime minister looked forward to welcoming Trump to Manchester during a future visit to the United Kingdom.
According to Downing Street, Trump updated Burnham on the current situation in the Middle East, while Burnham reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to reopening the Strait of Hormuz safely.
“The Prime Minister outlined the UK’s commitment to securing the movement of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz to support global supply chains and drive down costs for businesses and families across the country,” the British office said.
Burnham further emphasized that defense and security would remain the U.K.’s top priority alongside its allies, while also highlighting domestic reindustrialization efforts as a central plank of his economic agenda.
Trump left no ambiguity about his verdict on the exchange, closing his remarks with characteristic flair and goodwill toward the new British leader.
“The call was interesting, and went very well. I wished Prime Minister Burnham, GOOD LUCK AND GODSPEED!” Trump said.
Burnham became Britain’s seventh prime minister in a decade on Monday, succeeding Keir Starmer, who served just over two years after taking office in the summer of 2024.
The two leaders have previously traded pointed criticism, with Trump labeling Burnham “extremely liberal” before he took office, while Burnham has been openly critical of the American president.
Despite the history of friction, Monday’s call appeared to establish at least a working foundation for the U.S.-U.K. relationship as Burnham begins navigating both domestic pressures and a complex international landscape.
