In a surprising move, former U.S. President Donald Trump took to social media this Sunday to announce the resignation of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Posting on Truth Social and his X account, Trump declared that the leader of the Labour Party would be stepping down.
"Keir Starmer will resign as Prime Minister of the UK. He has failed miserably on two critical issues: IMMIGRATION and ENERGY (OPEN UP THE NORTH SEA OIL!). I wish him all the best," Trump wrote, as reported by Reuters from Washington.
The announcement was unusual not only in its content but also in the manner it was delivered: a foreign president preempting—or confirming—the downfall of an allied government leader, using the direct and unfiltered style typical of Trump's online communications.
Trump's message didn't come out of nowhere. On the same day, the British newspaper The Observer had already suggested that Starmer might announce his resignation on Monday, June 22. Reports indicated that the Prime Minister had been at Chequers, the official country residence for the role, pondering his political future.
This sequence of events suggests Trump amplified a leak already circulating in British media, transforming it into a global headline with his post.
British Government's Response and Internal Party Pressure
The British government responded ambiguously to the influx of questions. Minister Peter Kyle stated he hadn't spoken to Starmer since Friday and had no reason to believe an announcement of resignation would occur on Monday. Meanwhile, Downing Street insisted that the Prime Minister remained "focused on the work of governing." Just two days earlier, on Friday, June 19, Starmer himself declared he would not be stepping down.
Starmer's political troubles had been mounting for weeks. The Labour Party experienced a major setback in the local elections of May 2026, losing nearly 1,500 councilors. This was compounded by the overwhelming victory of Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham in the Makerfield by-election on June 18, increasing internal pressure for Starmer to resign.
Starmer's Leadership Under Scrutiny
More than 70 Labour MPs had formally requested his resignation or a timetable for his departure. Party sources indicated that nearly a hundred parliamentarians and cabinet members supported the move. Health Minister Wes Streeting had previously resigned, as had Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh on May 12.
Starmer rose to power in July 2024 following a Labour victory that ended 14 years of Conservative rule. However, his tenure quickly faced challenges from internal scandals, high-profile resignations, and poor electoral results.
The relationship between Trump and Starmer had been mixed. They reached a bilateral trade agreement in May 2025 allowing the UK to export up to 100,000 vehicles to the U.S. with a 10% tariff. However, tensions also arose over Iran and energy policy issues. Just five days before Trump's controversial message, both leaders had attended the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, France.
According to El País, Burnham had the explicit backing of over 300 Labour MPs, surpassing the threshold needed for a vote of no confidence, establishing him as a credible alternative to Starmer's leadership. The official announcement of Starmer's resignation was anticipated for this Monday.
Frequently Asked Questions About Starmer's Resignation
What prompted Keir Starmer to consider resigning?
Keir Starmer faced mounting internal pressure following a major electoral defeat in local elections and the victory of Andy Burnham in a by-election, which intensified calls for his resignation.
How did Donald Trump announce Starmer’s resignation?
Donald Trump announced Starmer's resignation via posts on Truth Social and his X account, claiming Starmer's failures on immigration and energy policies as reasons for his departure.
What was the British government’s response to the announcement?
The British government maintained an ambiguous stance, with Downing Street asserting that Starmer remained focused on governance, despite rumors of his impending resignation.