UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has criticised Donald Trump's handling of the Iran war, trade policies and relations with international allies, describing the US President's electoral setback as entirely self-inflicted.

British Conservative Party leader, Kemi Badenoch, has said United States President Donald Trump deserved his party's defeat in the country's midterm elections, accusing him of abandoning conservative principles through his economic policies, foreign relations and style of political leadership.

Badenoch made the remarks in an interview with The Independent Editor-in-Chief, Geordie Greig, where she described the Republican Party's electoral setback as "entirely self-inflicted".

Asked whether Trump deserved the defeat, the UK opposition leader responded in the affirmative, arguing that his conduct and policies did not reflect the values traditionally associated with conservatism.

"Yeah. He has not been acting in the way that I would consider conservative," she said.

The Conservative leader particularly faulted Trump's aggressive trade policies, including the imposition of tariffs, as well as his threats towards Canada and Greenland and repeated disagreements with traditional American allies.

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According to Badenoch, Trump's approach contradicts the conservative principles of free markets, international trade and maintaining strong relationships with friendly nations.

"Where is the push for free markets and better trade… rather than protectionism, America First, the squabbling with allies? That's not what conservatives do," she said.

She also took aim at Trump's personal conduct, particularly his frequent insults and attacks against journalists and political opponents, arguing that such behaviour falls short of the standards expected of a statesman.

Although she acknowledged that Trump could be charming in person, Badenoch said his public comments about individuals and media organisations raised serious concerns about his leadership style.

"Trump is very charming in person, but you see the way that he talks about journalists, about individuals. It doesn't meet the standards a statesman should meet," she stated.

Badenoch further expressed displeasure with Trump's remarks about British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and described his treatment of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during their meeting at the White House as "awful".

Questions Trump's Iran War Strategy

On the ongoing Iran war, Badenoch said she understood and supported Trump's initial decision to launch military action, citing concerns over Iran potentially acquiring nuclear weapons.

However, she questioned the administration's broader military objectives, insisting that the President needed to provide a clear strategy for the conflict.

"We don't want them getting nuclear weapons. But where's the plan?" she asked.

Her comments suggest that while she shares Washington's concerns about Iran's nuclear ambitions, she remains unconvinced about the direction and long-term objectives of Trump's military campaign.

Says She Would Have Been Comfortable With Harris Winning

In another striking revelation, Badenoch indicated that she would have been equally comfortable with Trump losing the 2024 presidential election to Democratic candidate Kamala Harris.

Asked which of the two candidates she preferred, she responded: “I would say I like them both equally. Make of that what you will.”

She also argued that Trump had failed to properly capitalise on the broad coalition of voters that helped secure his return to the White House, including Latino voters and increased support from Black voters.

According to her, his early decisions on tariffs and controversial statements about Greenland and Canada alienated some of the very voters who had supported his political comeback.

"What's the first thing he does? Tariffs, and then talking about Greenland and Canada. A lot of people were wondering, 'What are you doing?'" she added.

Badenoch's criticism comes amid growing political scrutiny of Trump's economic and foreign policies following the Republican Party's losses in the midterm elections.

The Democrats reportedly secured control of both chambers of Congress in Tuesday's elections, flipping at least seven Senate seats and more than two dozen House districts in a significant setback for Trump's party.

Badenoch became leader of the UK Conservative Party in November 2024 after defeating Robert Jenrick in the party's leadership contest. She previously served as Business and Trade Secretary and Minister for Women and Equalities under former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Born in Wimbledon, London, in 1980 to Nigerian parents, Badenoch's birth name is Olukemi Olufunto Adegoke. She currently serves as Leader of the Opposition in the United Kingdom.

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