Donald Trump came to the United Kingdom on a state visit. As the massive protests and demonstrations that erupted upon his arrival proved, public opinion about the former U.S. president is fiercely divided. Trump’s meeting with then-Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Saudi Arabia during his first overseas trip as President. As they traded gifts and pleasantries, thousands of protesters marched in cities across the UK to express their anger and opposition to the visit.
The upcoming state visit, which begins on [insert date], will again be accompanied by widespread protest of Trump’s policies and actions. Demonstrators marched in London and Windsor, voicing their discontent over various issues, including human rights concerns and Trump’s history of controversial statements and decisions.
In a striking demonstration of dissent, images of Trump alongside convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein were projected onto the walls of Windsor Castle. This act resulted in the arrest of four men who had participated in the projection. Additionally, police carried out pre-emptive security checks throughout Windsor, stopping one particular van which had even more provocative imagery.
Trump’s visit included witnessing a formal beating retreat ceremony in the presence of King Charles. One of the colourful highlights of the event – an incredible flypast by the Royal Air Force Red Arrows. The pomp and circumstance of the occasion could not have been more at odds with the tens of thousands of protesters outside who were demonstrating against it.
“Charles and Trump are two sides of the same coin. Corrupt billionaires with a distaste for democracy.” – Graham Smith
As we took to the streets, the coalition shown on the ground—politically and civically—dwarfed the white nationalists lining our streets. Graham Smith, a prominent activist, encapsulated the sentiments of many protesters with his remarks about the implications of Trump’s visit. He concluded with a call to defend democratic rights against the likes of Trump and of monarchs like King Charles. He recognized the need for accountability in this new fight.
“It’s time to fix our democracy and defend the country from those who might want to undermine what democratic rights we have, whether that be Charles or Trump.” – Graham Smith
As protests marched through the UK, political leaders in the UK and abroad were forced to comment on Trump’s historic visit. Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party, criticized Trump for using the state visit as an opportunity to “whitewash his complicity in genocide in Gaza.” In many ways, such statements embody the political crosscurrents that Trump has created across the globe.
Moreover, the Liberal Democrats were very worried about British trade relations with the U.S. They stressed that the UK was not able to convince the U.S. to drop steel and aluminum tariffs. Even if true, this failure made clear that Trump is an “unreliable partner.” This sentiment captures much deeper fears elsewhere in the UK over Britain’s ever-changing ties with its transatlantic ally.
Unlike the protests and criticism that Trump received on state visits, Trump’s meeting with King Charles was marked by a more ceremonial exchange of gifts. Coming against the backdrop of increasing public dissent, this high-level diplomatic gesture was an attempt to strengthen the relationship between the two countries.
“No Kings Here. No Kings There. No Kings Anywhere.” – Graham Smith
The mood outside Windsor Castle deepened as protesters united. On Twitter, they made clear that they stand in solidarity with American people fighting against the rollback of Trump’s policy. Sam Weinstein, a protester, articulated this sentiment by stating, “We need to show American citizens that they still have friends over here, who are thinking about them. And we’re doing our best to pressure our government to take action.”
Polls taken ahead of the royal visit indicated that at least half of Britons were on board. Over 50% are convinced that Trump’s presidency has had a negative effect on the UK. This overwhelming statistic has become emblematic of the deep mistrust not only in Trump’s conduct of international relations, but at home.
Protests bubbled up all day long. At the same time, back in England, Labour leader Keir Starmer and wife Vic looked on from the royal box at Windsor Castle during the beating retreat ceremony. Their appearance symbolized the fact that even among long-standing political elites, attitudes toward Trump are profoundly divided.
Last time Trump visited, Microsoft dropped a bit of news that surprised everybody. More recently, they announced a joint £22 billion AI investment plan here in the UK. Many saw this announcement as a step to develop closer economic relations between the two countries. This could not come at a more politically toxic time.