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 on Thursday, August 6, 2026. Miliband had previously described Trump as an “idiot, a racist and a misogynist,” but he ignored reporters' inquiries on whether he still held those views while meeting 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 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 Miliband shook hands with Rubio, he smiled and responded to shouted questions about his past remarks by saying, “We are looking forward to our meeting.”

Observers noted that the relationship between Miliband and US officials will be closely watched, especially as the White House reportedly expressed concern over Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s decision to appoint Miliband as the foreign secretary.

Sources