A second term for Donald Trump as President of the United States could lead to a deterioration in UK-US relations, according to British supporters of the newly inaugurated leader.
Around 100 people gathered at the Prince Albert pub in Bayswater, London, on Monday to watch Mr Trump take the oath of office as the 47th president. Wearing MAGA hats and waving American flags, attendees hailed what Mr Trump called the beginning of a “golden age of America.”
Concerns over strained relations
Speaking after the inauguration, Nicholas Lissack, a political commentator and Reform UK activist, expressed scepticism about the future of UK-US relations under Mr Trump. “I think (UK-US relations) are undoubtedly going to deteriorate,” he said.
Mr Lissack suggested that tensions between the two nations could have political ramifications within the UK, particularly for Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer. “In my view, this is probably the worst possible day imaginable for Keir Starmer. I think his days are numbered as they are,” he said.
He further argued that Mr Trump’s leadership would increase pressure on the UK, particularly from influential figures in Washington, such as Elon Musk. “There will be issues ahead for Starmer,” he added.
A shift to nationalism?
Mr Lissack predicted that Mr Trump’s election could spark a surge in nationalism within the UK, benefiting right-wing populist movements. “A lot of Brits adopting a Britain-first agenda” could lead to significant support for Reform UK, he suggested.
“Things are only going to get better for the populist right in Britain, and people are going to want to put their country first,” Mr Lissack added, claiming that Reform UK stands to gain from this shift.
Optimism for the ‘special relationship’
Jennifer Ewing, a spokesperson for Republicans Overseas UK, struck a more optimistic tone but acknowledged potential challenges to the long-standing “special relationship” between the UK and US.
“The UK has been my adopted home for almost two decades, so I understand both cultures,” said Ms Ewing, who is originally from California. “The UK-US special relationship endures beyond whoever is in power.”
However, she noted that this time the relationship might not follow “normal channels.” Referring to speculation over who might serve as the US ambassador to the UK, Ms Ewing said, “If in fact Lord Mandelson ends up being the ambassador, or if it’s someone like Nigel Farage or Nick Candy, we’ll see how the discussions unfold. But I think we’ll be okay.”
Farage as a future PM?
For some attendees, the Trump presidency presents opportunities for change in British politics. James Cottis, a businessperson from Essex and a PhD student researching Donald Trump’s “America First” agenda, suggested that Nigel Farage could become the UK Prime Minister.
“I think UK-US relations are strained, and the only person who could restart those relations is Nigel Farage,” he said. “Donald Trump has won the US election twice now. Nigel Farage and Reform UK are racing up the polls, and it’s not beyond belief that Nigel Farage could be the next UK Prime Minister.”
Mr Cottis added, “This country needs a leader who isn’t Keir Starmer. A leader like Nigel Farage will ensure that UK-US relations stay as they are because we’re great allies.”
He claimed that Reform UK could gain significant ground in a general election, saying, “100% if there was an election tomorrow, I think Reform would win a lot of seats. The Conservatives are pretty much finished, and Labour voters don’t know what their policies are. But with Reform, you know what you’re getting.”
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Broader implications
The discussions at the event highlighted both hope and apprehension regarding the impact of Mr Trump’s presidency on transatlantic relations. While some attendees believed his leadership could energise populist movements in the UK, others expressed concern about potential diplomatic strains.
As Donald Trump embarks on his second term, the implications for the “special relationship” remain to be seen. But one thing is clear: his presidency has reignited debates about the future direction of UK politics and its relationship with the US.
