Love him or hate him, Trump’s influence in global politics isn’t fading anytime soon. For Starmer, a new PM still building his international profile, getting direct access to Trump—however unlikely their alliance might seem—could be a strategic win. It’s a reminder that in politics, pragmatism often trumps ideology.

The PM's time with the president helped burnish a relationship as solid as it is improbable.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer got a rare chance to strengthen his relationship with former US President Donald Trump during Trump's recent visit. Despite their political differences, the meeting gave Starmer valuable face time with a key global figure—something that could pay off diplomatically down the line.