President Trump and British PM Keir Starmer hold a joint news conference — 9/18/2025

Key Concepts:

• Special Relationship: The unique bond between the UK and the US.
• Tech Partnership: Collaboration on AI, quantum computing, and other technologies.
• Defense Spending: Commitment to increasing defense expenditure, particularly within NATO.
• Humanitarian Crisis in the Middle East: Efforts to end the conflict, free hostages, and deliver aid.
• Ukraine Conflict: Joint efforts to support Ukraine and pressure Putin for a lasting peace deal.
• Illegal Migration: Strategies to address and reduce illegal immigration.
• Free Speech: Balancing free expression with the protection of children and societal values.
• Energy Security: Balancing oil and gas with renewable energy sources.
• NATO: Commitment to the alliance and increasing defense spending among member states.
• Two-State Solution: The pursuit of a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable Palestinian state.

I. Renewing the Special Relationship

• The UK and the US are reaffirming their "special relationship" for a new era, acting as "first partners" in defense, trade, and now science and technology.
• A new agreement has been signed to confirm their status as "first partners in science and technology," aiming to define the current century together.
• The tech partnership focuses on technologies like AI and quantum computing to amplify human potential, solve problems, cure diseases, and strengthen democracy.
• The goal is to win the "race" in technology and ensure it brings benefits like jobs, growth, and lower bills.
• Businesses are investing heavily, with 250 billion pounds flowing both ways across the Atlantic, expected to create 15,000 high-skilled jobs in the UK.

II. Defense and Security Cooperation

• Security remains the cornerstone of the special relationship, with the deepest and most advanced defense relationship in the world.
• Warriors train and fight together, and industries collaborate on projects like fast jets and Orcus class submarines.
• Barriers to working together on new defense technologies will be removed to stay ahead of adversaries.
• Both nations are united in the pursuit of peace, working to end the humanitarian catastrophe in the Middle East, free hostages, and bring Israel and the region towards a comprehensive peace plan.
• They are also working together to end the killing in Ukraine, with increased pressure on Putin to agree to a lasting peace deal.

III. Economic and Trade Agreements

• The UK was the first country with which the US made a historic trade deal.
• A historic technology prosperity deal has been signed to ensure both countries lead the next great technological revolution.
• The trip has galvanized $350 billion in deals across many sectors.
• The US is committed to ensuring the UK has a secure and reliable supply of the best AI hardware and software.
• The US is experiencing significant economic growth, with over $17 trillion being invested in the country in an 8-month period.

IV. Addressing Global Conflicts

• The US claims to have "solved seven wars," including conflicts like Azerbaijan and Albania, Congo with Rwanda, and India and Pakistan.
• Efforts are underway to address the conflict between Israel and Gaza, with a focus on releasing hostages and stopping the fighting.
• The US is disappointed in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with a desire to find a resolution.

V. Immigration and Border Security

• The US has taken measures to eliminate illegal crossings at its southern border.
• The US is removing people who entered the country illegally, including those from prisons and mental institutions.
• The UK has struck deals to cooperate with other countries to tackle illegal immigration and break up criminal gangs.
• The UK has had a record number of returns, with over 35,000 people returned since the current administration took office.

VI. Energy Policy

• The UK's energy mix will include oil and gas from the North Sea for many years to come, along with renewables.
• The US has brought fuel prices down through increased drilling and production.
• The US does not favor wind energy, considering it a "disaster" and "expensive joke."

VII. Free Speech and Social Media

• The UK has a long tradition of free speech, which is considered a founding value.
• The UK protects free speech but draws a line between free expression and harmful content like pedophilia and suicide promotion on social media.
• The US acknowledges concerns about free speech, particularly in the context of social media.

VIII. Questions and Answers Session

• Palestinian State Recognition: The UK's recognition of a Palestinian state is part of a broader plan for peace, aiming for a safe and secure Israel and a viable Palestinian state.
• Hostage Release: The US wants the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas and condemns the use of hostages as human shields.
• Illegal Migration: The US has taken measures to eliminate illegal crossings at its southern border, while the UK is working to tackle illegal immigration through cooperation with other countries and increased returns.
• Energy Policy: The UK's energy mix will include oil and gas from the North Sea for many years to come, along with renewables, while the US has brought fuel prices down through increased drilling and production.
• Ukraine Conflict: The US is disappointed in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and is seeking a resolution, while the UK is putting extra pressure on Putin and supporting Ukraine with military planning and resources.
• Free Speech: The UK has a long tradition of free speech, which is considered a founding value, while the US acknowledges concerns about free speech, particularly in the context of social media.
• Tik Tok: The US is working on a deal for the Chinese to sell Tik Tok to an American buyer, with the US getting a "tremendous fee plus" for making the deal.

IX. Conclusion

The meeting between the US President and the UK Prime Minister reinforced the enduring "special relationship" between the two nations. Key areas of focus included strengthening cooperation in technology, defense, and trade, as well as addressing global challenges such as the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. Both leaders emphasized their commitment to shared values like freedom, democracy, and the rule of law, while also acknowledging areas of disagreement and differing approaches to issues like energy policy and immigration. The discussions highlighted the importance of the US-UK partnership in shaping the future and promoting peace and security on the global stage.