US President Donald Trump has dismissed British aircraft carriers as “toys,” sharply criticising the UK’s naval capabilities while tensions in the Middle East escalate.
Trump made the remark during a briefing on the ongoing conflict with Iran, questioning London’s ability to project power in the Gulf.
“British aircraft carriers? They’re toys,” he said. “They’re not real carriers. They’re toys.”
The comments come as the UK has so far declined to expand its Operation Aspides naval mission to escort tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, citing the conflict as outside its immediate strategic interests.
Trump has repeatedly urged European allies to contribute more to securing Gulf shipping lanes, warning that failure to do so could harm NATO cohesion.
The US leader’s remarks have drawn swift criticism in London, where officials defended the Royal Navy’s two Queen Elizabeth-class carriers as among the most advanced in the world.
No immediate response was issued by 10 Downing Street or the UK Ministry of Defence.
