Witkoff has witnessed both Trump and Starmer “moderate” their views based on listening to the other.
“They both end up adjusting. And that doesn’t mean that they’re selling out a certain constituency. It means that they’re modulating in how they’re thinking about coming to a decision.”
It’s a stark contrast from Trump’s relationships across the pond during the first administration. His first term was marked by a combative posture toward Europe and NATO, often claiming he and the U.S. were being mistreated and disrespected by allies.
His pomp-filled historic visit to the U.K. shows just how significantly things have changed. And Starmer has gone out of his way to make Trump feel heard.
“There have been multiple occasions where I’ve listened to the president say to the prime minister, ‘Why don’t you think about it this way?’ And I hear Starmer welcome that and say ‘Let me give it some thought,’” Witkoff said. There is an “ease” about their relationship, Witkoff explained, that is a result of a real friendship.
Two other White House officials used the word “friendship” to describe the relationship. One of those officials told POLITICO that they have a lot of policy differences.
“Trump will sometimes give Starmer some grief on energy, specifically windmills. But they found common ground on nuclear. So they’ll engage on these things. And none of that stops them from working together.”