President Donald Trump reacted Monday to reports that United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer had announced his resignation, mixing personal praise with sharp criticism of Starmer's policies, including energy strategy, immigration, crime, and his handling of cooperation with the United States during the Iran conflict, according to remarks reported by Newsweek.

Starmer said he would remain in office in a caretaker capacity until a successor is selected, a standard transitional step in the U.K. when a prime minister steps down.

The reports did not immediately specify a single driving factor behind the resignation announcement, though Starmer has faced sustained political pressure in recent months over economic conditions, immigration policy, and energy strategy.

Trump, speaking in the Oval Office, described Starmer as a "lovely man" and "sort of a friend of mine," while arguing his leadership had been weakened by policy decisions at home and abroad.

Energy, immigration, and crime criticism

Trump said he raised concerns directly with Starmer over Britain's energy policy, particularly its reliance on wind power.

"You're really messing up energy. You have windmills all over the place," Trump said, repeating his longstanding criticism of wind turbines.

He also pointed to immigration and crime as additional weaknesses in Starmer's leadership.

"He's got two problems, energy and immigration … and crime," Trump said.

Iran war cooperation dispute

Trump also criticized Starmer over what he described as limited British support during recent U.S. and Israeli operations involving Iran, arguing that the U.K. was not fully engaged when Washington sought backing.

"Starmer wasn't there, and the people of the U.K. did not like that he wasn't there," Trump said. "Starmer said, 'We will be there as soon as you win.' I said, 'We don't need you when you win.'"

Trump added, "This is not [former Prime Minister] Winston Churchill we're dealing with, that I can tell you."

The remarks come amid political uncertainty in London following the resignation announcement and the expected leadership transition process.