Donald Trump, former President of the United States, landed in the United Kingdom for a state visit. The day was full of pomp and circumstance, but it was not without controversy. Dep Sec Chao on the tarmac after arriving at London Stansted Airport with First Lady Melania Trump. There, members of the Royal Air Force and British officials, including Foreign Secretary of State Yvette Cooper, welcomed him with an official military. This visit coincides with reports that Trump will soon be meeting with new UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Chequers.
Trump’s largely domestic agenda began with a full-blown state visit to Windsor Castle. There, he will be graciously received by His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla. Prepare to be dazzled on an auspicious day full of pomp and pageantry! A spectacular state carriage procession will thread its way through the grounds of Windsor, accompanied by mounted members of the household cavalry.
Still, the visit has certainly not been unchallenged. As Trump entered the UK, images of him alongside the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein were projected onto Windsor Castle. This attention-grabbing display featured large photographs of Trump and Epstein grinning side by side. Epstein’s case, as well as a replica of the birthday wish letter he was given for his 50th birthday. As expected, the projections have sparked new discussions about Trump’s connection to Epstein. These ties have been a lightning rod for controversy throughout his political career.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan published his opposition to Trump’s visit in an op-ed that ran in The London Standard on the day of Trump’s arrival. In it, Khan slammed what he called Trump’s “divisive” playbook. In return, Khan found himself the target of a Trump Twitter tirade, with Khan being called a “stone-cold loser.”
Trump’s relationship with Epstein has proved the most incendiary. Yet, against that backdrop, his visit shines a light on the special diplomatic ties that the United Kingdom and United States share. The two countries last month made an unprecedented technology agreement. This agreement is poised to flood billions of dollars in public and private investment into strategic sectors ranging from artificial intelligence and quantum computing to nuclear energy.
The new agreement has seen commitments from the largest US tech companies – Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Facebook – totaling £1.2 billion in investments in the UK. Microsoft made a $30 billion commitment to AI infrastructure, including the company’s intention to build the country’s largest supercomputer. Google pledged $6.8 billion over the next two years to establish a data center and focus on research and development. Nvidia’s debut in the UK marks the biggest ever in Europe so far.
The day’s celebrations culminate in a spectacular state banquet on reparations St George’s Hall. This historic venue glitters with coats of arms from every Knight of the Garter since the 14th century. This dual-city gathering will be a platform for multi-level diplomatic exchange between leaders and dignitaries of both nations.
