Trump to embark on unparalleled second British State Journey
Donald Trump, the former U.S. President, has touched down in Britain for his second state visit, this time in 2025. The visit, which follows his previous trip in 2019, is shaping up to be a significant one, with political controversies, economic agreements, and public demonstrations on the horizon.
On Thursday, Trump is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers. The meeting, which may be fraught with awkward moments, could see the two leaders discussing tensions surrounding free speech, a topic that has been a point of contention for both. Elon Musk's controversial language about free speech has been criticised by Starmer's spokesman, while Trump himself has faced scrutiny over his own links to Jeffrey Epstein.
The Epstein controversy is also casting a shadow over Prime Minister Starmer, who has come under scrutiny for appointing Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington despite Mandelson's known friendship with Epstein. The friendship between Epstein and Prince Andrew has also embarrassed the royal family.
The political discussions are not the only points of interest during Trump's visit. The U.K. government is making efforts to flatter the President, with plans for a grand state banquet at Windsor Castle and a carriage procession with King Charles III. Trump will also meet Queen Elizabeth II again during this visit, as he did in 2019.
In a bid to strengthen economic ties, Trump and Prime Minister Starmer are set to sign agreements worth £10 billion ($13.6 billion). These include a deal to speed up new nuclear projects and a 'world-leading tech partnership'. Google has announced it will invest £5 billion in the U.K. in the next two years, and U.S. finance firms including PayPal and Citi Group have announced they will spend £1.25 billion.
Meanwhile, the ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, and the impact of U.S. tariffs on major economies, are issues that are likely to be discussed during Trump's meetings with European leaders, including Prime Minister Starmer.
Trump's visit will keep him away from crowds and protesters, as he will be outside London. A large demonstration has been called against Trump in the capital city.
First Lady Melania Trump will make a rare public appearance on Thursday, participating in an event with Queen Camilla.
The visit by Donald Trump comes at a time when the U.K. is trying to win over the former President, with Prime Minister Starmer reportedly trying to win Trump over since his return to the White House. However, the two leaders are not natural allies, and the controversies surrounding them may make for an interesting dynamic during their meetings.
