US President Donald Trump is set to arrive in the UK for his second state visit, starting on Tuesday. The King will welcome him and First Lady Melania Trump at Windsor Castle, where they will partake in a ceremonial welcome and a state banquet the following day.
During his visit, President Trump will hold talks with Keir Starmer at Chequers on Thursday. There are calls for him to increase pressure on the US to secure relief from tariffs. However, concerns loom over the visit due to questions surrounding Jeffrey Epstein. Prime Minister faces scrutiny after dismissing US ambassador Peter Mandelson over his connections to the convicted sex offender.
President Trump himself is under scrutiny for his ties to Epstein, with demands from his supporters for more transparency on investigations into the financier. The departure of Lord Mandelson poses a risk to the stability of Trump’s visit, with James Roscoe temporarily assuming the ambassador role until a permanent replacement is named.
Additionally, President Trump may address free speech issues with Starmer during the visit, as Vice President JD Vance has raised concerns about the UK’s approach to free speech. A report from the Trump administration in August highlighted deteriorating human rights conditions in the UK, particularly regarding restrictions on freedom of speech.
Discussions during the visit are expected to include the conflict in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as negotiations to eliminate tariffs on steel in the UK. The leaders are also slated to sign an agreement to accelerate the development of new nuclear power facilities.
Protests against Trump are planned in London and Windsor, reminiscent of the opposition seen during his first state visit in 2019. High security measures are in place for the visit, with Assistant Chief Constable Christian Bunt expressing confidence in the police force’s security plans despite anticipated demonstrations and recent security concerns.