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Trump wishes Andy Burnham ‘good luck and Godspeed’ in their first conversation – and says new PM has ‘a big job ahead’
US President Donald Trump and new UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham held their first phone call, with Trump wishing the incoming Labour leader "good luck and Godspeed" and acknowledging he faces "a big job ahead". The call marks the start of a potentially delicate relationship between the two leaders, given Burnham's past criticism of Trump and his suggestion he would ban the president from Manchester, raising questions about how the "special relationship" will function under the new government.
Despite that history, Burnham used the call to invite Trump to visit Manchester, an invitation described as awkward given his earlier "deeply troubling" remarks about the US president. The exchange comes as Burnham reshapes his top team, including moving Ed Miliband into the role of Foreign Secretary, a striking choice given Miliband has previously called Trump a "racist and misogynist" and opposed strikes against Syria, while Angela Rayner also returns to Cabinet ten months after resigning over a tax scandal.
In short
- Trump and Burnham held their first call as UK PM.
- Trump wished Burnham "good luck and Godspeed" on a "big job".
- Burnham invited Trump to Manchester despite past ban threat.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Burnham and Labour are taking a pragmatic approach by prioritising Britain's core national interests and the essential UK-US relationship above partisan political rhetoric exchanged during electoral cycles. Appointing capable figures like Miliband on merit demonstrates a mature government willing to set aside past comments for effective governance. Trump's warm tone suggests he too is willing to reset relations, indicating both leaders understand that the "special relationship" remains vital to British and American security and prosperity.
The case against
Burnham's swift embrace of Trump after previously condemning him as "deeply troubling" and suggesting his exclusion from Manchester appears opportunistic and risks appearing weak or unprincipled. Appointing Miliband—who has publicly called Trump racist and misogynist—to Foreign Secretary whilst simultaneously courting Trump creates an impression of insincerity and inconsistency. A stronger democratic approach would maintain clear values in international relations rather than abandoning principled positions when political convenience demands it.
Explained simply
Andy Burnham, a senior Labour politician and former mayor of Manchester, has become Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Donald Trump is the President of the United States. Their interaction is significant because the UK and US maintain what is traditionally called the "special relationship" – a close partnership that influences international relations, defence policy and trade.
Before becoming Prime Minister, Burnham was outspoken in his criticism of Trump. As mayor of Manchester, he called Trump's conduct "deeply troubling" and suggested he would ban Trump from visiting the city. These comments reveal a tension between the two men that predated Burnham becoming Prime Minister.
This history of friction creates an unusual situation for Burnham's new government. As Prime Minister, he must now establish and maintain a productive working relationship with the American President despite their previous disagreements. How the two leaders manage this dynamic will influence how the UK navigates its international relationships under its new administration.