Latest Developments from the UK State Visit
Updated Sept. 18, 2025, 6:13 a.m. ET by Shashank Bengali and Michael D. Shear
President Trump concluded his two-day state visit to Britain this Thursday morning, departing Windsor Castle after warmly describing King Charles III as a “great gentleman and a great king.” The president is now scheduled for a crucial meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, followed by a joint news conference where significant business deals between American and British companies are expected to be announced.
Following a brief helicopter ride, Trump arrived at Chequers, the prime minister’s country estate just outside London, where he was greeted by Mr. Starmer and his wife, Victoria, before entering the residence to commence diplomatic discussions.
This carefully orchestrated trip offered President Trump a temporary respite from domestic political pressures, highlighting the enduring bond between the United States and Britain. The Windsor Castle portion of the visit largely steered clear of overt political differences, particularly on contentious issues like trade and the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
However, it is anticipated that Prime Minister Starmer will address these critical topics during his meeting with Trump. Both leaders are also likely to face questions on these matters during their upcoming news conference before the president returns to Washington on Thursday afternoon.
Meanwhile, First Lady Melania Trump will extend her stay at Windsor Castle for several hours, with plans to attend events alongside Queen Camilla and Catherine, Princess of Wales.
The diplomacy followed a day filled with pomp and circumstance, culminating in a white-tie dinner at Windsor Castle. During the banquet, President Trump delivered effusive praise for the British royal family. White House officials, Trump cabinet members, and prominent American business figures shared a lavish meal with their British counterparts and aristocracy, an environment clearly enjoyed by a president known for his appreciation of opulence.
King Charles, addressing the gathering, emphasized that the special relationship between the U.S. and the U.K. has “made us safer and stronger through the generations.” President Trump, reflecting on the occasion, stated that receiving a second state visit invitation to the United Kingdom was among the “highest honors” of his life, further lauding the “special relationship” as a bond beyond simple description.
Key highlights of the visit include:
- Investments: Bolstering economic ties, companies such as Microsoft, OpenAI, and Blackstone have committed over $200 billion in investments in Britain over the next decade. Conversely, British firms like pharmaceutical giant GSK have pledged investments in the United States. While such announcements are typical during high-profile visits, the British government views these pledges as a crucial economic win amid efforts to stimulate growth.
- Nuclear energy: Despite notable divergences in climate and energy policies, both Trump and Starmer found common ground on nuclear energy. They have forged an agreement to develop more nuclear power plants in Britain, with Starmer’s administration fast-tracking reviews for new facilities, mirroring Trump’s executive orders to expedite reactor approvals in the U.S. This collaboration signals a shared vision for a ‘golden age’ of nuclear power.
- Protests: In stark contrast to the red-carpet reception from dignitaries, thousands of protesters gathered in central London on Wednesday to demonstrate against President Trump’s presence in Britain.
- First lady’s engagements: Queen Camilla is scheduled to personally guide First Lady Melania Trump on a tour of Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, a meticulously crafted miniature palace presented as a royal gift in 1924. Later, Mrs. Trump will join Catherine, Princess of Wales, for an event with Britain’s Scouts Association at Frogmore Gardens.
Trump Applauds Kimmel’s Suspension After UK Free Speech Critique
Sept. 18, 2025, 6:33 a.m. ET by Michael D. Shear (Reporting from London)
President Trump, who recently criticized the United Kingdom’s free speech policies, has now praised the suspension of American comedian Jimmy Kimmel. Just weeks prior, when British police arrested an Irish comedian for online posts allegedly inciting violence against transgender individuals, Trump remarked that “sad” and “not a good thing” were occurring in the U.K. regarding free speech. He added that he had spoken to the prime minister about it.
However, as Trump meets with Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Britain, his own administration orchestrated the removal of a prominent American comedian. ABC network indefinitely suspended Jimmy Kimmel after he made comments on his show regarding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kimmel had noted, “We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them, and doing everything they can to score political points from it.”
Instead of addressing the irony of a similar crackdown on speech at home, Trump celebrated it. He declared on his Truth Social media site, “Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED.”
The decision to suspend Kimmel followed threats from Brendan Carr, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, who indicated his agency might take action against ABC. This move is part of a broader national campaign by Trump’s allies against critics of Charlie Kirk, leading to numerous firings and suspensions over online comments.
These events highlight a stark contrast in free speech approaches between the U.S. and Europe by the Trump administration. While Trump and Vice President JD Vance have lambasted the British government for its strict handling of right-wing expression, especially concerning migrants, they simultaneously advocate for governmental power to target what Trump calls the “radical left” in the U.S. Vance notably stated that in the United Kingdom, “free speech, I fear, is in retreat.”
Following Kirk’s death, Trump asserted that the “radical left has done tremendous damage to the country,” adding, “But we’re fixing it.”
Presidential Delegation Arrives at Chequers
Sept. 18, 2025, 5:53 a.m. ET by Shawn McCreesh (Reporting from Chequers)
President Trump, accompanied by top aides including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has just landed via Marine One at Chequers, the British prime minister’s country residence.
Britain Poised to Recognize Palestinian Statehood Post-Trump Visit
Sept. 18, 2025, 6:06 a.m. ET by Mark Landler (Reporting from London)
Within hours or days of President Trump’s departure from Britain, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to confirm that the British government will vote next week at the UN General Assembly in New York to recognize a Palestinian state. This announcement aligns with Starmer’s earlier conditional commitment from July, which notably required Israel to agree to a ceasefire with Hamas, conditions that remain unmet.
This stance places Britain in opposition to the United States, as President Trump maintains his objection to recognizing a Palestinian state. Despite their differing political views, Trump has cultivated a cordial relationship with Starmer and has not directly challenged him on this issue. During a July visit to Scotland, when questioned about Starmer’s move towards Palestinian statehood recognition, Trump stated, “I’m not going to take a position; I don’t mind him taking a position. I’m looking to getting people fed right now. That’s the No. 1 position, because you have a lot of starving people.”
Vice President JD Vance, however, was more direct in highlighting the policy divide during his August family vacation to Britain. Before meeting with then-British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Vance declared, “We have no plans to recognize a Palestinian state. I don’t know what it would really mean to recognize a Palestinian state, given the lack of a functional government there.”
Starmer’s push for Palestinian state recognition is partly fueled by domestic political imperatives. Significant pressure from his Labour Party and the broader British public has mounted as Israel’s military operations in Gaza have intensified, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Britain’s decision follows similar announcements from France, Canada, and Malta. For Starmer, a former human-rights lawyer, the dire situation in Gaza marked a personal tipping point. “The situation is simply intolerable,” he said in July. “I am particularly concerned that the very idea of a two-state solution is reducing and feels further away today than it has for many years.”
Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s Accreditation Withdrawn for Joint News Conference
Sept. 18, 2025, 5:46 a.m. ET by Qasim Nauman
Downing Street has informed the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) that its accreditation to attend the joint news conference between President Trump and Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday has been withdrawn due to “logistical reasons.” This decision follows an incident earlier in the week where an ABC journalist, John Lyons, questioned President Trump about his business dealings before his departure for Britain. Trump responded by stating that Lyons was “hurting Australia” with his inquiry.
An ABC spokesperson clarified that the broadcaster had received “no indication” that Downing Street’s decision was related to Lyons’ questions to Trump. Downing Street has not yet commented on the matter.
Trump Skirts London, Avoiding Protesters
Sept. 18, 2025, 5:44 a.m. ET by Mark Landler
President Trump’s itinerary continues to avoid central London, with his next stop being Chequers, the British prime minister’s country residence. Apart from his initial night at Winfield House, the American ambassador’s residence, Trump has largely bypassed the capital, effectively avoiding anticipated anti-Trump demonstrations.
Royal Chapter Concludes: Trump Heads to Policy Talks, Melania’s Royal Tour Continues
Sept. 18, 2025, 5:42 a.m. ET by Mark Landler
The royal segment of President Trump’s state visit has now concluded. The president is shifting his focus to politics and policy, en route to Chequers for meetings with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. First Lady Melania Trump, however, will remain at Windsor Castle, where Queen Camilla is scheduled to personally give her a tour of Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House later this morning.
President Trump Bids Farewell to King Charles at Windsor Castle
Sept. 18, 2025, 5:25 a.m. ET by Shawn McCreesh (Reporting from Chequers)
After spending the night at Windsor Castle, President Trump has bid farewell to King Charles, describing him as “a great gentleman and a great king.” The president is now heading to Chequers for his meeting with the British prime minister, to be followed by a news conference.
A Glimpse into Royal Miniatures: Melania Trump to Tour Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House
Sept. 18, 2025, 5:02 a.m. ET by Megan Specia
A dazzling silver crown, adorned with diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and seed pearls, stands barely an inch tall. This exquisite miniature is a replica of Britain’s Imperial State Crown, part of the magnificent Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House at Windsor Castle, just outside London. On Thursday, Queen Camilla herself is expected to personally present this tiny palace to First Lady Melania Trump, during the second day of the Trumps’ state visit to Britain.
This elaborate dolls’ house, presented to Queen Mary (wife of King George V) in 1924, was never intended as a child’s plaything. Instead, it serves as a meticulously crafted showcase of the finest British artistry and engineering of the early 20th century, created for a royal who cherished all things miniature. A 1924 report in The Times of London detailed Queen Mary’s “keenest appreciation” of its marvels, which famously included working plumbing and electric lifts. Celebrating its centenary, visitors can now experience a special display featuring select items normally housed within the house, offering a closer look at treasures like the celebrated miniature crown. Kathryn Jones, a senior curator at the Royal Collection Trust, noted its “instant charm” and “layered” depth upon closer inspection.
US and UK Energy Policies: A Nuclear Accord Amidst Climate Divides
Sept. 18, 2025, 3:58 a.m. ET by Somini Sengupta
Despite significant differences in their climate and energy policies, the leaders of the United States and Britain found common ground during President Trump’s state visit. While President Trump has withdrawn the U.S. from the Paris Agreement and advocated for the resurgence of coal (even ordering old coal plants to remain operational), Prime Minister Keir Starmer has committed Britain to an ambitious climate target: an 81 percent reduction in climate pollution by 2035 (from 1990 levels). Notably, Britain closed its last coal plant last year, symbolically shifting former coal sites into battery farms for solar and wind energy storage.
The leaders’ stances on renewable energy also diverge sharply. Trump has curtailed government support for clean energy domestically and encouraged Britain to abandon windmills in favor of oil. In contrast, Starmer aims to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels, targeting over half of the country’s electricity from renewables by 2030 (Britain already hit 50.8% in 2024, largely from wind power).
However, nuclear energy emerges as a rare point of agreement. Starmer and Trump have forged a deal to construct new nuclear plants in Britain. Nuclear power, while posing safety and waste disposal concerns, offers greenhouse gas-free energy, aligning with Britain’s climate goals. Starmer’s administration plans to fast-track new plant reviews, mirroring Trump’s executive orders to expedite U.S. reactor approvals. Both leaders have enthusiastically embraced this collaboration, with Starmer echoing the Trump administration’s rhetoric of a “golden age” of nuclear power, and Trump championing a “nuclear renaissance.”
Britain Eyes US Investments to Cushion Economic Challenges
Sept. 18, 2025, 3:58 a.m. ET by Eshe Nelson
Amidst the ceremonial grandeur of President Trump’s state visit, the British government is leveraging the occasion to showcase substantial American investment pledges to its citizens. Companies including Microsoft, OpenAI, and Blackstone have committed over £150 billion (approximately $204 billion) to Britain over the next decade. Reciprocally, British firms like pharmaceutical giant GSK have announced investments in the United States, with the British government also promising increased procurement from American businesses. These pledges, according to the British government, are expected to generate thousands of jobs, signaling Britain’s economic strength, as stated by Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
While such commitments are a common feature of high-profile international visits and often come from companies already established in Britain, the government aims to highlight them as a sign of progress in boosting economic growth, a top national priority. This comes as Britain faces economic headwinds; August’s annual inflation rate hit 3.8 percent, nearly double the central bank’s target, and the Bank of England is set to maintain high interest rates. Upcoming budget announcements are anticipated to include tax increases, further underscoring the need for economic reassurance.
Despite the investment pledges, the Trump administration has not granted Britain concessions to reduce tariffs on British goods, with efforts to eliminate steel tariffs and lower levies on Scotch whisky remaining unsuccessful. Facing persistent inflation, projected tax hikes, and continued trade uncertainties, Starmer’s government hopes these announced American investments will provide a much-needed economic offset.