Donald Trump is in the United Kingdom for his historic second state visit. Even before this highly anticipated event, interest from potential buyers has been tremendous and protests have already begun. The other former US president arrived at London Stansted Airport late on Tuesday. Along with First Lady Melania Trump, he flew in on Air Force One. As they alighted from the plane, the US Chief of Protocol, Monica Crowley, was on hand to warmly welcome them. Henry Hood, Lord-in-Waiting received them for King Charles.
This visit represents a deepening of Indo-U.S. diplomatic ties. Now President Trump and British royalty will join for a week-long series of ceremonial events. Such a state visit would involve a sumptuous state banquet. Visitors will be wowed by spectacular displays from the Duchess of Edinburgh’s String Orchestra, the State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry and the pipers from the Scots Guards. The highlight will be an extravagant royal carriage procession to Windsor Castle. There, Trump will find himself hand-in-hand with King Charles and at the head of a stunning escort of the Household Cavalry mounted regiment.
About 1,300 of members of the British military and 120 horses will take part in the military procession. This impressive display includes personnel from various branches of the armed forces: 160 from the Royal Marines and Royal Navy, 1,000 from the British Army, and 140 from the Royal Air Force. Notably, according to the Ministry of Defence, Trump will receive the largest guard of honour ever presented at a state visit.
The British Army will fire simultaneous gun salutes at Windsor Castle and the Tower of London in preparation for the ceremonial welcome. In the meantime, Trump’s made-for-TV handshake with King Charles will garner wall-to-wall coverage. Later that afternoon, Trump and Melania will arrive at their residence, Winfield House. This home is the recently-extended official British London home of the US ambassador in Regent’s Park.
Back in my Trump will be watching military parades. He will be the first to see a potential Red Arrows flypast with British and American F-35 jets. On Thursday he’ll make the short journey to Keir Starmer’s own country residence at Chequers in Buckinghamshire.
Trump’s visit has stolen all the headlines and coverage, it has inspired widespread protest. In response to the news, London Mayor Sadiq Khan slammed Trump’s administration in striking terms. He said its “divisive, far-right politics” have made the world a more dangerous place.
“Trump’s politics are politics of fascism and authoritarianism.” – Jake Atkinson, spokesperson for the Stop Trump Coalition
Protests are set to take place during his visit, with demonstrators voicing their opposition to Trump’s policies and actions while in office. Activist Lisa Bevan closed by highlighting the importance of outspoken public leaders in combating divisive politics.
“After the racist march on Saturday, we need to be out, we need to be heard, we need to show that we don’t support what’s going on in the world right now.” – Lisa Bevan
Critics have decried the UK’s extravagant treatment of Trump. Activist Geoff Holland, who was present and arrested on site, noted the extraordinary nature of this kind of visit, asking if Trump is worthy of such welcomes.
“They should be making him crawl across broken glass and beg for a phone call with us, not rolling out the red carpet. It is repulsive.” – Geoff Holland
Supporters of Trump have piled on as well in terms of how he should be received in the UK. This unnamed person reaffirmed his excitement to be in the presence of the soon to be made former president. They further highlighted the need to leave space for political discourse.
“We need him inside the tent.” – Unnamed supporter of Trump
Trump’s visit triggers a wave of responses. Supporters and critics alike passionately argue in favor of, and against, his policies, and their revolutionary impact on foreign affairs. The ultimate result of these incidents will munificently play a role in characterizing public works debate based on his administration’s legacy.