US President Donald Trump and his Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have launched scathing critiques of the UK’s naval capabilities, remarks that have undoubtedly resonated in a nation with a storied maritime heritage. While sharp, their observations are not entirely without foundation. The current friction between Washington and London intensified following the outbreak of the Iran war on 28 February, when Prime Minister Keir Starmer initially denied the US military access to British bases. Although this decision was later partially reversed, allowing the US to utilise facilities like Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean for "defensive purposes", President Trump remains adamant he was let down. He has repeatedly lambasted Starmer and dismissed the Royal Navy’s two aircraft carriers as mere "toys." In comments published by the Daily Telegraph on Wednesday, Mr Trump said: "You don’t even have a navy. You’re too old and had aircraft carriers that didn’t work."
Published: April 2, 2026 4:11 pm
Source: The Independent — Read original