U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday sharply criticized outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer following his announcement that he would step down as Labour leader, saying the British premier had damaged his standing through policies on energy, immigration, and security.

Speaking at the White House, Trump said Starmer had failed to fully utilize Britain's North Sea oil resources and had pursued environmental policies that weakened the country's energy position. He also argued that concerns over immigration and crime had undermined public confidence in the Labour government.

According to AFP, Trump additionally expressed frustration over delays by the British government in approving the use of RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus during recent U.S. military operations against Iran, describing the episode as politically damaging for Starmer.

Despite the criticism, Trump called Starmer "a lovely man" and "sort of a friend," while wishing him well after his decision to resign.

Starmer announced Monday that he would step down as Labour leader while remaining prime minister during a transition period. Veteran Labour politician Andy Burnham is widely seen as the frontrunner to succeed him, potentially becoming Britain's seventh prime minister in a decade.

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