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President Donald Trump said Monday that he spoke with Britain’s new prime minister, Andy Burnham, shortly after he took office, calling the conversation “very good.”
Trump added that he and Burnham plan to meet in the “not too distant future” to discuss issues of mutual interest.
During the call, the leaders touched on the longstanding U.S.-U.K. relationship and the challenges facing Burnham as he begins his time in office, with Trump pledging American support.
“We discussed many subjects, including the outstanding relationship we have had with the UK,” Trump said.
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“The Prime Minister has got a big job ahead of him, but he will be able to do it and, of course, the U.S.A. will be there to help!”
The pair also discussed North Sea oil, trade, the U.S.-U.K. military alliance and efforts to clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said.
Burnham’s office released a statement following the call, saying the prime minister looked forward to welcoming Trump to Manchester during a future visit.
According to Downing Street, Trump updated Burnham on the situation in the Middle East, while Burnham reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to reopening the Strait of Hormuz safely.
“The Prime Minister outlined the UK’s commitment to securing the movement of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz to support global supply chains and drive down costs for businesses and families across the country,” the British office said.
Burnham further emphasized that defense and security would remain the U.K.’s top priority alongside its allies.
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On the domestic front, Burnham emphasized that he will pursue reindustrialization efforts to drive economic growth across the country.
Trump ultimately described the conversation as a major success.
“The call was interesting, and went very well. I wished Prime Minister Burnham, GOOD LUCK AND GODSPEED!” Trump said.
Burnham became Britain’s seventh prime minister in a decade on Monday, vowing to reshape a country that has cycled through a series of leaders in recent years. He succeeds Keir Starmer, who served as prime minister for just over two years after taking office in the summer of 2024.
The two leaders have previously traded criticism. Before Burnham took office, Trump labeled him “extremely liberal,” while Burnham has been openly critical of the American president.
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