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,” declined to comment on whether he still held those views while meeting with US Senator Marco Rubio at the US State Department.

The meeting between Miliband and Rubio was arranged following their initial encounter at a foreign ministers’ summit in the Philippines the previous month. Their discussions were expected to cover key international issues including efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and the situation in Gaza.

As reporters shouted questions regarding his past remarks on Trump, Miliband smiled and said, “We are looking forward to our meeting,” without directly addressing the inquiries.

The interaction between Miliband and Rubio is being closely observed, particularly as reports indicate the White House has expressed concern over Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s decision to appoint Miliband to lead the Foreign Office.

Sources