The two-day state visit by President Trump to the United Kingdom culminated in a joint news conference with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, where a significant technology partnership agreement was announced. Both leaders emphasized this deal would position the United States and Britain at the forefront of artificial intelligence and other high-tech innovations globally.
Behind closed doors, their private discussions touched on the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. While Starmer asserted a united front in working to end the “humanitarian catastrophe in the Middle East,” a clear divergence emerged regarding Palestinian statehood. Trump openly expressed disagreement with the Prime Minister’s stance on recognizing an independent Palestinian state, and his focus remained squarely on the suffering of Israelis, without mentioning Palestinians. This diplomatic friction was particularly notable given Britain’s anticipated formal recognition of Palestinian statehood shortly after Trump’s departure, a move driven by growing domestic and international pressure over the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
On the subject of Ukraine, the leaders appeared more aligned, unequivocally condemning President Vladimir Putin’s invasion. Starmer highlighted Russia’s recent intensified attacks, calling them actions “not of someone who wants peace.” Trump echoed this sentiment, stating Putin had “let me down,” and emphasizing the significant human cost for Russia.
Beyond the high-level talks, the visit offered a mix of royal pageantry and political undercurrents. Wednesday saw King Charles III hosting a state dinner at Windsor Castle, where President Trump notably praised the British royal family, temporarily stepping away from domestic political strife. However, Thursday’s more substantive agenda saw Trump return to criticizing his predecessor, Joseph R. Biden, Jr.
The visit also brought forth several key developments:
* **Investments:** American giants like Microsoft, OpenAI, and Blackstone pledged over $200 billion in investments in Britain over the next decade, reciprocated by British firms like GSK investing in the U.S. These pledges, while customary for such high-profile visits, are seen as a vital economic boost for Britain.
* **Nuclear Energy:** A rare point of policy agreement between the two leaders was nuclear energy. They struck a deal to accelerate the construction of more nuclear power plants in Britain, with both administrations keen on fast-tracking approvals and heralding a “golden age” or “nuclear renaissance” in the sector.
* **Public Protests:** The ceremonial grandeur was sharply contrasted by thousands of protesters in central London on Wednesday, demonstrating against Trump’s visit. Concerns included America’s support for Israel in the Gaza conflict and broader criticisms of Trump’s impact on global order, as voiced by prominent figures like Max Hastings.
* **First Lady’s Engagements:** Melania Trump, the First Lady, engaged in cultural activities, including a tour of Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House at Windsor Castle with Queen Camilla, and later joined Catherine, Princess of Wales, for an event with Britain’s Scouts Association.
The British media’s reaction to the visit was sharply divided, oscillating between hailing it as a “masterful act of British diplomacy” leveraging royal soft power for national interest, and criticizing it as “abject groveling” to a controversial American president. The outcome, whether the political and diplomatic benefits outweigh the domestic criticism, remains a central question as the visit concludes.