British Conservative Party leader, Kemi Badenoch, has said United States President Donald Trump deserved his party’s defeat in the country’s midterm elections, blaming his policies and conduct for the electoral setback.

Badenoch made the remarks during an interview with The Independent Editor-in-Chief, Geordie Greig, describing the Republicans’ losses as largely self-inflicted.

Asked whether Trump deserved the defeat, she answered in the affirmative, arguing that his approach to governance did not reflect the principles of conservatism.

She criticised his trade tariffs, protectionist policies and disagreements with traditional American allies, including Canada and Greenland.

According to her, Trump’s actions undermine conservative values, which support free markets, improved trade relations and cooperation with international partners.

Badenoch also faulted the US president for his personal attacks on journalists and political figures, saying his language and conduct fell below the standards expected of a statesman.

She particularly expressed displeasure over his remarks about British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his treatment of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a meeting at the White House, which she described as awful.

On the conflict involving Iran, Badenoch said she understood Trump’s initial decision to launch military action because of concerns about the country’s nuclear ambitions. However, she questioned the absence of a clear strategy for the operation.

The Conservative leader also disclosed that she would have been comfortable with Trump losing the 2024 presidential election to his Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris.

She further argued that Trump had lost the support of some voter groups that contributed to his return to the White House, including Latino and Black Americans.

Her comments followed the Democrats’ victory in Tuesday’s midterm elections, which saw the party take control of both chambers of Congress after gaining several Senate seats and more than two dozen House districts.

Badenoch became leader of the UK Conservative Party in November 2024 after defeating Robert Jenrick in the party’s leadership contest. She previously served as Business and Trade Secretary and Minister for Women and Equalities under former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Born in London in 1980 to Nigerian parents, Badenoch is currently the leader of the opposition in the United Kingdom.