President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Keir Starmer wrapped up their state visit to Britain on Thursday, a trip punctuated by both lavish royal ceremonies and serious diplomatic discussions. After a day rich in pageantry, the leaders were ready to announce substantial new business deals between American and British companies, shifting the focus to economic collaboration.
This meticulously arranged visit offered President Trump a temporary break from political tensions back home. The trip largely steered clear of overt political disagreements and sensitive issues like trade and the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. However, Prime Minister Starmer was expected to raise these challenging topics during his meeting with Mr. Trump, and both leaders anticipated questions on them during a news conference later that afternoon.
The day’s diplomacy followed a spectacular evening crowned by a white-tie dinner at Windsor Castle, where Mr. Trump lavished praise on the British royal family. White House aides, members of the Trump cabinet, and American business titans dined alongside their British counterparts and aristocracy in a setting that clearly appealed to the President’s taste for opulence. As Mr. Trump departed Windsor Castle on Thursday morning for Chequers, the Prime Minister’s country residence, he described King Charles III as “a great gentleman and a great king.”
Meanwhile, First Lady Melania Trump engaged in her own schedule of events at the castle, including activities with Queen Camilla and Catherine, Princess of Wales. During her visit with Queen Camilla, Mrs. Trump toured the Royal Library, where she observed schoolchildren illustrating miniature books and admired historical artworks, including drawings by Leonardo da Vinci and a childhood poem by Queen Elizabeth I. Later, she was expected to join Catherine, Princess of Wales, at Frogmore Gardens for an event with Britain’s Scouts Association. In a subtle display of fashion diplomacy, Mrs. Trump wore a caramel Louis Vuitton leather suit with snakeskin pumps for her engagement with Queen Camilla, later changing into a more casual suede Ralph Lauren safari jacket paired with Loro Piana trousers for her garden tour. Both Louis Vuitton and Loro Piana are brands under the LVMH luxury conglomerate.
Key Highlights and Policy Debates:
- Significant Investments: Echoing a theme of economic partnership, companies including Microsoft, OpenAI, and Blackstone pledged over $200 billion in investments in Britain over the next decade. Similarly, British firms, such as pharmaceuticals giant GSK, committed to investing in the United States. While such pledges are customary during high-profile visits, the British government views these as a crucial win for economic growth, especially as it grapples with a 3.8% annual inflation rate and potential tax increases. However, unresolved issues, like securing lower tariffs on British steel and Scotch whisky from the Trump administration, remained points of friction.
- Bipartisan Nuclear Energy Push: Despite significant policy differences on climate change, both leaders found common ground on nuclear energy. President Trump, who withdrew the US from the Paris Agreement and championed coal, and Prime Minister Starmer, committed to ambitious climate targets and renewable energy, forged an agreement to build more nuclear plants in Britain. Both leaders expressed a desire to fast-track approval for new reactors, with Starmer adopting Trump’s ‘nuclear renaissance’ rhetoric, envisioning a “golden age” of nuclear power.
- Contrasting Stances on Free Speech: The state visit brought into sharp relief the leaders’ differing views on free speech. President Trump, having criticized the UK for arresting an Irish comedian over online posts about transgender people, paradoxically lauded the indefinite suspension of American comedian Jimmy Kimmel by ABC. This suspension followed Kimmel’s comments regarding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, with threats from the Federal Communications Commission chairman preceding ABC’s decision. This raised questions about a potential double standard, as the Trump administration has actively targeted critics of Mr. Kirk while simultaneously critiquing Britain’s approach to right-wing expression.
- UK to Recognize Palestinian Statehood: In a move that sets Britain at odds with US policy, Prime Minister Starmer is expected to confirm the British government’s vote to recognize a Palestinian state soon after Trump’s departure. This decision, influenced by mounting domestic and international pressure amid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, contrasts with Mr. Trump’s stated neutrality on the issue, prioritizing humanitarian aid, and Vice President JD Vance’s firm opposition to such recognition.
- London Protests: The royal reception and carefully choreographed diplomatic events were met with thousands of protesters in central London, demonstrating against President Trump’s visit. This public dissent provided a striking counterpoint to the official narrative of camaraderie.