Donald Trump suggested Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer could use the military to stop illegal migration at a news conference marking the end of the US president's second state visit to the UK.
Trump said he discussed migration issues with Sir Keir during a meeting at his country residence Chequers.
The US president talked about his policies to secure borders in the US and said the UK faced a similar challenge with migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats.
You have people coming in and I told the prime minister I would stop it, and it doesn't matter if you call out the military, it doesn't matter what means you use, Trump said.
He added, It destroys countries from within, and we're actually now removing a lot of the people that came into our country. Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has escalated deportations of illegal immigrants and enforced strict measures against unlawful border crossings.
The president's visit featured royal engagements, including hosting by King Charles, and culminated in political discussions with the prime minister, which included topics such as the war in Ukraine and energy policies.
Both leaders promoted the UK-US 'special relationship' and announced a new tech deal aimed at enhancing cooperation in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.
The topic of Palestinian statehood sparked a disagreement, with Trump opposing any movement toward recognition by the UK ahead of the United Nations General Assembly.
Additionally, discussions on illegal immigration illuminated a shared commitment between Trump and Starmer to tackle the challenge seriously amid increasing boat crossings in the English Channel.
Sir Keir highlighted ongoing efforts to establish migrant return deals with nations like France, stressing there are no simple solutions to the rising immigration pressures faced this year.
