Keir Starmer shrugged off recent criticism from Donald Trump, emphasizing that Trump is not comparable to Churchill. Starmer highlighted that the UK’s relationship with the US should not be solely dependent on Trump’s statements. While some argue that a shift in this special relationship could impact situations like Ukraine, Starmer’s influence over Trump has been diminishing. Trump’s actions towards Russia and Ukraine seem more influenced by his latest interactions rather than Starmer’s guidance.
In other news related to Trump, Pete Hegseth, described as Trump’s “Secretary of War,” announced that the US had targeted and eliminated the leader of an Iranian group plotting against the President. Although specifics about the leader, unit, or plot were not disclosed, Hegseth emphasized his role in adding them to the target list. Hegseth also faced questions regarding a reported incident where a US strike hit a girls’ school in Iran, resulting in civilian casualties.
Furthermore, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem faced criticism for labeling individuals as “domestic terrorists” without evidence. When pressed to apologize, Noem offered condolences but refrained from directly apologizing. Senator Thomas Tillis also expressed dissatisfaction with Noem’s handling of information requests related to immigration enforcement, threatening to impede Senate proceedings until he receives satisfactory responses.
The 2026 midterm campaign commenced with notable primary elections, including the runoff vote between Senator John Cornyn and attorney general Ken Paxton in Texas. The prolonged primary campaign signifies Cornyn’s vulnerability and Paxton’s alignment with the Trump-endorsed MAGA movement. The results are expected to intensify pressure on Trump to endorse a candidate.
On the Democratic side, state Rep. James Talarico emerged as the Senate candidate over Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, positioning himself as a unifying figure with the potential to challenge Trump’s Republican dominance in Texas and possibly shift the Senate’s balance of power.
Mikey Smith is the Mirror’s Deputy Political Editor (Sunday).
