Kemi Badenoch criticizes Donald Trump’s policies and record in interview

Conservative Party Leader Kemi Badenoch stated that Donald Trump deserved his defeat in the U.S. midterm elections, citing his use of protectionist tariffs and his personal conduct. In an interview with The Independent published on November 7, 2026, Badenoch described Trump’s political style as "dirty" and characterized his electoral losses as "entirely self-inflicted."

Badenoch criticized Trump’s international record, specifically mentioning his approach to the war with Iran, threats regarding Canada and Greenland, and "squabbling with allies" such as the United Kingdom. She stated that Trump had not acted in a manner she considers conservative, questioning his commitment to free markets and trade. Badenoch also indicated she would have been content had Trump lost the 2024 presidential election to Democrat Kamala Harris.

Regarding domestic politics, Badenoch addressed her Conservative predecessors, Boris Johnson and Liz Truss. She attributed the party's past difficulties to "gimmicks, mistakes and short termism," specifically citing high immigration levels during Johnson's tenure and the fiscal policies of Truss's 2022 budget. She described Truss’s attempt to fund £150 billion in energy subsidies and £45 billion in tax cuts without spending reductions as the "wrong way of doing things."

The remarks also clarify the internal dynamics of the Conservative Party as it seeks to distance itself from the leadership of Johnson and Truss. By identifying specific policy failures—such as the 2022 "mini-budget"—Badenoch is attempting to redefine the party’s economic credibility.

Next, Badenoch faces ongoing competition from Nigel Farage’s Reform Party, which she characterized as "bonkers" while ruling out a future coalition. With polls showing the Conservatives narrowing the gap with the Labour government to two points, the party's direction under Badenoch will be tested in upcoming elections. Badenoch noted it is up to a Commons inquiry to decide if a £5 million donation to Farage from a cryptocurrency billionaire was "corrupt."