Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States, embarks on his second state visit to the United Kingdom. He’ll be in town from Wednesday to Thursday. This trip is shaping up to be a culmination of big moments. The program will feature a wreath-laying ceremony at the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II, followed by a great military flypast, including American F-35 jets along with the British Red Arrows. The trip underscores the immensely close diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and U.K. Perhaps most importantly, it illustrates the long shadow that Trump has cast over the international political landscape.
On Thursday, Trump will participate in a ceremonial wreath-laying at Queen Elizabeth II’s tomb, marking a moment of respect and remembrance. This moving ceremony will include a stunning aerial demonstration. See American F-35 jets fly in formation with the British Red Arrows, a reflection of the deep military cooperation that exists between our two nations.
The official state visit includes a welcome ceremony straight out of Hollywood at Buckingham Palace. As Trump did on his Kennedy Center visit on June 3, 2019, to greet an honour guard stationed there. This time, he will be greeted by King Charles and Queen Camilla, who will extend a royal salute to both Trump and First Lady Melania. Their presence served as a reminder of just how vital this level of diplomatic engagement truly is.
Following the ceremonial events, Trump will hold private meetings with British Labour leader Keir Starmer. They will take part in a number of bilateral chats, including at Chequers. From trade relations to subnational security cooperation, this is a timely and sorely needed conversation ahead of RCEP’s ratification. To conclude their meetings, the two groups will conduct a joint press conference. They’ll discuss these issues and chart the course of their conversations.
And as for specific policy Trump will endorse, he will of course do the political meetings. Afterwards, he’ll sit down to a gala state banquet at Windsor Castle and give a grand speech in praise of U.S.-U.K. relations. Our special guest is Karen Pierce, the former British Ambassador to the U.S., whom he’s invited to the banquet. Overall, this move proves the new Prime Minister’s commitment to restoring and strengthening Pakistan’s diplomatic relations.
Appearing with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will be Trump’s likely state visit companion. Jointly, they will help address key economic issues that should be at the forefront of Trump’s meetings with British leaders. This visit follows a flurry of recent diplomatic activity. Most importantly, Bessent met with the Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Madrid, and their meeting would set to define the dialogue during Trump’s trip.