Britain’s deteriorating relationship with Washington has taken a disturbing turn after the US Treasury Secretary dismissed recession warnings by arguing a nuclear weapon hitting London would inflict greater economic damage than Middle Eastern conflict fallout.
Scott Bessent’s extraordinary comparison arrived as Donald Trump threatened downgrading Britain’s trade agreement whilst venting fury at Sir Keir Starmer for refusing to back his military campaign, with the President complaining the UK was “not there” when he requested assistance with Tehran strikes and Strait of Hormuz reopening efforts.
The Treasury Secretary shrugged off IMF warnings of global downturn—with Britain identified as the worst-hit major economy—by characterising anticipated pain as a “small bit” whilst prioritising “long-term security” over immediate economic forecasts.
“I wonder what the hit to global GDP would be if a nuclear weapon hit London,” Mr Bessent told the BBC ahead of meeting Chancellor Rachel Reeves in Washington, arguing Tehran possessed ballistic missiles capable of striking Britain.
The comments preceded Ms Reeves’ IMF meetings addressing Middle East chaos fallout, though she risks an awkward encounter with Mr Bessent after condemning Mr Trump’s “folly” launching war without “clear exit plan” or defined aims whilst expressing anger over the conflict.
Trump’s latest Sky News interview saw him declare the UK-US Special Relationship has “been better” and that was “sad,” whilst ominously noting the Economic Prosperity Deal struck with Sir Keir last May “can always be changed.”
“We gave them a good trade deal. Better than I had to. Which can always be changed,” the President stated, referencing an agreement covering cars, planes and agriculture that remains partially unimplemented with technology partnership elements already paused.
British households are experiencing Middle Eastern chaos consequences through rising pump prices, with energy and food bill increases forecast alongside potential rationing fears as the conflict persists.
Trump renewed criticism of Labour’s immigration and Net Zero policies, insisting “your country is being invaded by people from prisons, drug dealers, people from mental institutions” whilst branding Sir Keir’s North Sea oil closure a “tragic mistake.”
The President confirmed tensions would “not at all” affect King Charles’s later-month State Visit, characterising the monarch as a “wonderful person” he has known for years.
Sir Keir’s early Trump courtship efforts have spectacularly imploded—first over Greenland seizure attempts, then Iran conflict disagreements—with the PM initially refusing American forces UK base access for strikes before permitting “defensive” operations protecting regional allies from Iranian reprisals.
Yesterday Sir Keir condemned Trump’s threats “ending” Iranian civilisation alongside blockade plans, telling MPs he would “never” use language about destroying civilian infrastructure because it was “wrong.”
The PM confirmed Britain will not participate in stopping “any and all ships” transiting the Strait carrying roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas, insisting the UK stands ready helping restore navigation freedom only “once the conflict ends.”
Trump reportedly refers to Starmer as a “loser” privately whilst having previously re-posted Saturday Night Live sketches mocking him as “coward” and “out of his depth.”
