The United Kingdom's new Foreign Secretary, Ed Miliband, faced questions about his past criticism of former US President Donald Trump during talks in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, August 6th, 2026. Miliband, who had previously described Trump as an “idiot, a racist and a misogynist,” ignored reporters’ shouted inquiries on whether he still held those views as he met with US Senator Marco Rubio at the US State Department.

Miliband was invited to Washington by Rubio following their initial meeting at a foreign ministers’ summit in the Philippines the previous month. The two were scheduled to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and the situation in Gaza.

While shaking hands with Rubio, Miliband smiled and said, “We are looking forward to our meeting,” without addressing his earlier comments about Trump.

The interaction between Miliband and Rubio is being closely observed, especially as reports indicate the White House has concerns about UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s decision to appoint Miliband as Foreign Secretary.

Sources