Trump presser could not have gone better for Starmer

Keir Starmer could not have dreamed of a better press conference with Donald Trump. Much of its success was not down to luck, either: the Prime Minister has meticulously prepared for these talks both in terms of substance and (very important) superficialities such as flattering the President. But instead of appearing to be a sycophant who just says whatever Trump wants to hear, Starmer ended up looking as though he was the one in control of the relationship. The President came into the press conference telling journalists that Starmer is a ‘very tough negotiator, however I’m not sure I like that, but that’s OK’. It was exactly the kind of compliment that suits Starmer both in the US and at home: there are few skills Trump values more than negotiating, while being described as tough prevents Starmer from being accused of licking the President’s boots.

The Prime Minister’s opening statement in the press conference was also pitched to flatter Trump while emphasising that the pair had differences.