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UK PM Keir Starmer says he will cut Britain’s security ties with US unless Trump distances himself from Elon

Strains are emerging in the longstanding “special relationship” between the United States and the United Kingdom, as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer signals potential reevaluation of the nations’ security partnership.

The trigger? Elon Musk’s controversial comments on grooming gangs and President-elect Donald Trump’s perceived proximity to Musk’s views.

According to a report by BBC Newsnight, Downing Street is conducting a “hard-headed assessment” to determine whether Musk’s statements reflect his personal opinions or represent the incoming Trump administration’s stance. Reporter Nick Watt explained:

“There is absolute horror at the highest levels of the government at the incendiary language we have seen from Elon Musk. Downing Street will assess whether these views are isolated to Musk or shared by President-elect Donald Trump.

If it’s the latter, serious questions will arise regarding the future of our security partnership with the United States.

The U.K.-U.S. security relationship, described by Defense Secretary John Healey as “the closest we’ve got in the world,” is at the heart of the controversy. Both nations are part of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance, alongside Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Watt raised a key concern: “Can this level of intelligence sharing continue if such views are endorsed by the next President of the United States? The answer depends on whether Trump distances himself from Musk’s rhetoric.”

Musk, a prominent figure in Trump’s orbit, has intensified the debate by criticizing the U.K. government’s handling of anti-Islam activist Tommy Robinson and their refusal to hold an inquiry into grooming scandals perpetrated by predominantly Pakistani men.

On his platform X (formerly Twitter), Musk has openly condemned the U.K. government, even polling his 211 million followers about whether the U.S. should “liberate Britain from their tyrannical government.” Over 1.8 million users responded, with 58% supporting the idea.

“America should liberate the people of Britain from their tyrannical government,” Musk wrote in his post, escalating tensions further.

Prime Minister Starmer indirectly addressed Musk’s comments during an event on Monday, stating, “Those spreading lies and misinformation as far and wide as possible are not interested in victims.

They’re interested in themselves. Robust political debate must be based on facts and truth, not lies from those desperate for attention.”

President-elect Donald Trump has yet to comment on Musk’s remarks or their potential implications for U.S.-U.K. relations. Musk’s close association with Trump has prompted speculation about the alignment of their views.