US President Donald Trump appeared to embarrass UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a peace summit in Egypt, in an exchange that quickly drew attention online.
The incident occurred in Sharm El-Sheikh, where world leaders had gathered to mark a US-brokered ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.
During his speech, President Trump began naming countries involved in supporting the agreement before suddenly asking, “Where is the United Kingdom? Where is my friend, Starmer?”
Prime Minister Starmer, who was seated among other world leaders, responded, “I am right behind you as usual.” Trump then invited him onto the stage, asking, “Come up here, is everything going good?”
Starmer approached the podium and answered, “Very good,” seemingly expecting a chance to speak. However, Trump quickly turned away and continued addressing the audience, leaving the British leader to return to his seat beside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney with an awkward smile.
Footage of the exchange spread rapidly on social media, with viewers describing the moment as “humiliating” and “painfully awkward.” One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “One of the most humiliating things I’ve ever seen on public display.”
The peace summit followed the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, facilitated by the United States with support from several nations.
Despite the awkward moment, Starmer later praised Trump’s diplomatic efforts, posting on social media: “President Trump, this is your achievement. I thank you for your tireless efforts to deliver this moment. The UK stands ready to support a full implementation of the peace plan.”
President Trump, 79, has previously expressed frustration at not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize for his diplomatic efforts, including the Abraham Accords.
At the summit, he reiterated his past contributions to peace negotiations but also made light-hearted remarks about global leaders, saying, “I have a couple I don’t like in particular, but I won’t tell you who.”
The event was intended to highlight international cooperation, but the brief exchange between Trump and Starmer became the most discussed moment of the day.
