Wes Streeting on Donald Trump
TL;DR
Wes Streeting has strongly criticised Donald Trump's public statements, particularly those perceived as undermining science and international order.
Key Points
He advised the public in September 2025 not to listen to Donald Trump regarding claims linking paracetamol to autism in pregnant women.
Streeting commented on international instability, suggesting events like the capture of the Venezuelan president showed the "disintegration" of the rules-based world order.
He publicly condemned a personal jibe made by Donald Trump concerning his appearance, suggesting it was an unwarranted attack.
Summary
Wes Streeting, in his capacity as a senior British cabinet minister, has been vocal in drawing a distinction between himself and the political style and statements of Donald Trump. His core position centres on a defence of the rules-based international system, which he suggested was under threat following certain US actions. Streeting declined to criticise the former US president directly in that context, instead focusing on the broader threat to global stability, which he views as concerning for Britain's national interest.
This critical stance is also evident in his response to specific claims made by the former US president regarding medical science. He publicly advised people not to pay attention to Donald Trump’s claims about medicine, such as those linking a common painkiller to autism in children. He instead directed the public to heed the advice of British doctors, scientists, and the NHS, suggesting Trump’s statements are a sign of a wider movement to discredit expertise.
Key Quotes
I think what we've seen in Venezuela are morbid symptoms of the disintegration of the rules-based international system, and that is a real concern for the government and for Britain's national interest, because a world without rules is a world in which we are less safe
“I would just say to people watching, don't pay any attention whatsoever to what Donald Trump says about medicine. In fact, don't take even take my word for it, as a politician — listen to British doctors, British scientists, the NHS"
Frequently Asked Questions
Wes Streeting holds a negative view of Donald Trump, primarily focusing on his statements that undermine established science and international norms. He has publicly told people to ignore the former US president's medical advice. This sentiment is rooted in Streeting's defence of expertise and the existing rules-based global system, according to reports in early 2026.
Yes, Streeting has directly criticised Donald Trump for specific comments, such as a personal jibe made against him. Furthermore, he strongly opposed Trump's claims regarding medicine and autism, telling the public not to pay attention to them. However, on foreign policy issues, he has sometimes focused on the action rather than directly criticising the former president by name.
Wes Streeting was clear that people should not listen to Donald Trump when he speaks about medicine, as reported in September 2025. The Health Secretary urged the public to instead rely on the advice of British doctors, scientists, and the NHS. He viewed such anti-science rhetoric as a serious concern for public trust and safety.
Sources5
Wes Streeting warns of 'disintegration' of rules-based world order after Venezuela attack
Wes Streeting: Do not listen to Trump's paracetamol and autism claims
Why is Wes Streeting telling Donald Trump to shut up?
Donald Trump's piggy jibe slammed by Wes Streeting
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.