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Trump swings from gushing praise for King to scathing criticism of Starmer in five-minute call with Sky News

Wednesday, 15 April 2026 08:07

By Mark Stone, US correspondent

The president and I spoke an hour after Buckingham Palace announced details of King Charles and Queen Camilla's state visit to the United States.

Over five minutes he swung from gushing praise for the King to scathing criticism for the prime minister.

He rejected any suggestion that by criticising the government he is making the King's visit awkward.

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His tone and his language revealed to me how distinctly he differentiates Britain's royals from its politicians.

He also revealed that he did not know that the King's visit is taking place at the request of the government.

Our call took place at just after 6:30pm on Tuesday evening. It was the second time we have spoken by phone.

These calls are not arranged. The number I have (along with a few other DC-based journalists) is for his mobile phone.

In keeping with his unique style, if he picks up and he's up for it, he talks. It is, honestly, a bizarre experience.

"Hello?" he said after two rings.

I introduced myself, reminded him we'd spoken last week and asked if he had a few minutes. "Uh-uh," he said.

I told him I would record the call. He said that was fine but wanted my word that it would not be broadcast. We could quote him but not publish the call.

"OK. Go ahead. Real fast. Go ahead," he said.

And with that, we were on. Another impromptu phone interview underway.

Why does he take these calls? Why does he not want them broadcast? How did he sound?

Watch in the video below:

Sky News

(c) Sky News 2026: Trump swings from gushing praise for King to scathing criticism of Starmer in fiv

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