A major diplomatic intervention from former US President Donald Trump has sent shockwaves through Westminster, threatening to derail the fragile relationship with Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government.
Trump's Truth Social Bazooka Targets Starmer
The explosive development unfolded on Tuesday, 20 January 2026. As the hosts of the popular Politics at Sam and Anne's podcast were recording, a new post from Trump on his Truth Social platform landed. In it, he branded the UK's recent deal regarding the Chagos Islands as "an act of GREAT STUPIDITY".
This direct and public condemnation from a figure who remains hugely influential in global politics is an intervention set to dominate the political agenda. It comes at a sensitive time, with podcast hosts Sam and Anne noting they had begun the episode questioning whether Starmer-Trump relations were showing signs of improvement.
Westminster Fallout and Global Repercussions
The immediate question is how this stark criticism will be received in the corridors of power. Sam's analysis points to the significant impact it will have in Westminster, where the government's foreign policy decisions are now under a glaring, international spotlight.
Meanwhile, Anne provides insight into the chatter this will generate on the global stage, specifically among the elite gathering at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The perception of a rift between the UK and a potential future US administration will be a key topic of discussion among diplomats and business leaders.
A Day of Policy Shifts and U-Turns
Trump's broadside overshadowed other significant domestic policy news. Ministers confirmed a consultation on a potential ban on social media for under-16s, sparking further talk of government U-turns.
Additionally, Sam heard of possible changes to the contentious plan to scale back jury trials, indicating a day of fluid and evolving policy announcements alongside the diplomatic firestorm.
The combination of a volatile external critique from Trump and internal policy reconsiderations marks a challenging moment for the Starmer administration, testing its diplomatic agility and domestic policy resolve simultaneously.
