During a joint news conference at Chequers, the British Prime Minister’s country residence, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer should consider using the military to address the UK’s illegal immigration challenges.1 The comments came as part of Trump’s second state visit to the United Kingdom.
Speaking alongside Starmer, the U.S. President warned that illegal migration could “destroy” countries from within. He drew a parallel to his own administration’s efforts to secure the U.S. southern border, stating that his government had “done a great job” and suggesting the UK’s situation was “very similar.”
Trump’s remarks highlighted a rare public difference between the two leaders during a visit that had otherwise focused on strengthening the “special relationship” and announcing a new technology partnership deal. While Trump spoke about using “whatever means you use” to control the borders, including calling out the military, Starmer’s response to the issue was to point to a recent deal with France that had resulted in a single migrant being returned.2
The press conference followed a private bilateral meeting between the two leaders and a business leaders’ reception, where they signed a “Tech Prosperity Deal” aimed at attracting significant U.S. investment in the UK’s technology sector.3
