Donald Trump has slammed the “radical left” and taken aim at Kier Starmer’s Labour government in shocking new comments on Air Force One

Donald Trump has sparked outrage after blasting the UK’s free speech laws (Image: Getty)

Donald Trump has sparked outrage after blasting the UK’s free speech laws live on Fox News, describing reports of people being jailed over social media posts as a shocking sign of decline under left-wing leadership. The US President, who is currently on a multi-day visit to Scotland for both business and diplomacy, was asked about claims that British citizens have faced arrest for online comments. His response, broadcast in a live Fox News interview, was scathing.

Trump said on Air Force One to various media outlets when asked a question about Brits being locked up for social media posts: “Are you saying that’s taking place in the UK? Well we’re hearing that. They said they cancelled Truth Social, I’ll bet it’s uncancelled very quickly. No it’s very different. I see it in some countries, and you would never suspect it.” He went on to compare the UK’s current climate to socialist regimes, implying that free speech was under attack.

Trump spoke to the press on Air Force One (Image: Fox news/RAW)

“Not only there I’ve seen it in other countries and then all of a sudden they become somewhat violent.

“You know when people go socialist over it you get the radical left or the left going and the countries actually become very mean. They become mean and incompetent simultaneously.”

The comments come during Trump’s high-profile stay in Scotland, where he recently met Prime Minister Keir Starmer for bilateral talks focused on trade and international aid.

But despite the formal diplomatic setting, it was his televised interview that caused a stir.

The President’s visit to Scotland included the opening of a new golf course in Balmedie named after his mother, Mary Anne MacLeod.

While the event was intended as a showcase for his business ventures, the trip has been overshadowed by heightened security, political backlash, and now his explosive comments on UK speech laws.

Trump recently met Prime Minister Keir Starmer for bilateral talks (Image: Getty)

Over 7,000 police officers were deployed across Trump’s movements, and he also met with Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney.

Meanwhile, his meeting with Starmer focused on trade, Gaza relief, and international stability – though little mention was made of domestic UK policies.

Trump’s remarks are likely to ramp up tensions with Starmer’s Labour government, who have already faced criticism over growing complaints about free speech and police crackdowns.

As the state visit in September approaches, Downing Street may now be forced to address the US leader’s claims directly.

A wider look at UK enforcement shows police made over 12,000 arrests in 2023 for social media offences under the Communications Act 2003 and Malicious Communications Act 1988—averaging around 33 arrests per day.

Civil liberties groups have raised concerns that the laws underpinning these cases are vague and often lead to arrests for speech that many argue should be protected

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