Starmer and Trump Talk Ukraine, Tariffs, Chagos Deal, Free Speech

President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met in the Oval Office Thursday for a wide-ranging discussion. 

Ukraine: Trump said, “If we make a [ceasefire] deal it's going to hold,” adding that he was taking a trust but verify approach with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Starmer was concerned, saying, “If there is a ceasefire without a backstop, it will simply give him the opportunity to wait and to come again because his ambition in relation to Ukraine is pretty obvious, I think, for all to see.” Trump suggested the minerals deal with Ukraine set to be signed tomorrow serves as a security backstop because “I don't think anyone's going to play around while we're there.”

Chagos Islands: Trump expressed support for the deal to hand the British territory of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, and pay to lease back the UK-U.S. Diego Garcia military base. 

Tariffs: Trump proposed a 25% tariff on the European Union, but hinted that the UK may avoid them. When asked if there would not be sanctions on the UK, Trump said, “Well, I have to take a look… and we’ll be talking about it.” At a joint press conference later, he praised Starmer as a “tough negotiator.” 

Free Speech: Starmer pushed back on Vice President JD Vance's remarks about the backsliding of free speech in the UK, saying,  “We’ve had free speech for a very long time in the UK,” and the country will “continue” to have it.