President Donald Trump has publicly rebuked Sir Keir Starmer after it emerged that Britain was considering sending aircraft carriers to the Middle East, saying the United States no longer needed help from what he called its “once great ally”.
The US president issued the criticism on his Truth Social platform, accusing the British government of considering military support only after the conflict had effectively been decided.
“The United Kingdom, our once Great Ally, maybe the Greatest of them all, is finally giving serious thought to sending two aircraft carriers to the Middle East,” Trump wrote.
“That’s OK, Prime Minister Starmer, we don’t need them any longer — But we will remember. We don’t need people that join Wars after we’ve already won!”
Trump’s comments came after reports that the Royal Navy had accelerated preparations to deploy HMS Prince of Wales, one of Britain’s two aircraft carriers, to the Middle East within days if ministers authorised the move.
Speaking later aboard Air Force One, Trump doubled down on his criticism, saying American forces had already achieved their objectives without British involvement.
“We don’t need them, it would have been nice to have them two weeks ago,” he said.
The remarks risk deepening tensions between Washington and London at a moment when the so-called “special relationship” appears increasingly strained. Trump had already criticised Starmer earlier in the week, saying the British prime minister was “no Winston Churchill” after initially denying permission for US strikes to be launched from the joint US-UK base at Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands.
The episode has reinforced perceptions in Washington that the Starmer government has been hesitant and reactive during the escalating confrontation with Iran, with critics saying Downing Street has struggled to project leadership while the United States moved decisively.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed that preparations for the carrier were being accelerated. The crew of HMS Prince of Wales has been placed on alert and logistical work intensified so the ship could sail quickly if ordered.
Additional British assets have already been moved to the region. Typhoon fighter jets and Wildcat helicopters equipped with anti-drone missiles have been deployed, and a Merlin helicopter is also being sent to reinforce defensive operations.
Officials said the United States had begun using British bases for “specific defensive operations” aimed at intercepting Iranian missiles.
The growing military activity is also expected to drive up defence costs. Defence Secretary John Healey is reportedly preparing to seek additional funding from the Treasury as deployments expand, potentially setting up a clash with Chancellor Rachel Reeves over spending.
Military leaders have warned that the security environment is deteriorating rapidly. Britain’s armed forces chief recently described the current global climate as “probably the most dangerous period” in decades, with rising demands on defence capabilities.
Former prime minister Tony Blair has also criticised Starmer’s handling of the situation, saying Britain should have supported the United States from the outset.
“When it comes to an ally that is an indispensable cornerstone of your security, you better show up,” Blair said at a private event, arguing that the US had only requested logistical support such as the use of bases for refuelling.
Back in London, the government attempted to play down Trump’s social media intervention. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said foreign policy decisions should not be driven by online exchanges.
“You have to focus on substance, not on social media posts,” she told Sky News.
Nevertheless, Trump’s blunt remarks have intensified scrutiny of Starmer’s leadership during the crisis, with critics arguing that Britain’s hesitant response has damaged its standing with its most important ally and exposed the government as slow, indecisive and increasingly sidelined as events unfold.
