On Thursday, President Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer formalized a new technology partnership, a move they believe will solidify the United States and Britain’s leadership in artificial intelligence and other advanced high-tech sectors.
These agreements marked the culmination of a meticulously orchestrated state visit, characterized by an extravagant royal reception. The two-day excursion provided President Trump a temporary reprieve from domestic political pressures. Wednesday’s agenda largely steered clear of overt political discussions and disagreements between the allies, particularly concerning the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
However, during a Thursday afternoon news conference, Prime Minister Starmer confirmed that private discussions earlier in the day did cover these global conflicts. Despite a common perception that President Trump aligns more closely with Israeli and Russian viewpoints than other Western leaders, Starmer maintained that both nations stood united on these fronts.
“Our collective efforts are focused on bringing an end to the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East,” Starmer stated.
He further emphasized, “We are also collaborating to halt the violence in Ukraine. President Putin’s recent actions, launching the most extensive attacks since the invasion began, resulting in further casualties and egregious violations of NATO airspace, clearly demonstrate he is not seeking peace.”
President Trump, in turn, expressed his disappointment with Russian President Vladimir V. Putin, remarking, “He’s let me down, he’s truly let me down.”
Wednesday was a day of grandeur, highlighted by a white-tie dinner at Windsor Castle where Mr. Trump enthusiastically praised the British royal family. The opulent setting, where White House officials, Cabinet members, and prominent American business leaders mingled with their British counterparts and aristocracy, evidently delighted the president.
Leaving Windsor Castle on Thursday morning for Chequers, the Prime Minister’s country retreat, Mr. Trump lauded King Charles III as a “great gentleman and a great king.”
First Lady Melania Trump stayed at Windsor Castle, participating in engagements with Queen Camilla and Catherine, Princess of Wales.
Here are some additional key takeaways:
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Investments: In conjunction with Trump’s visit, major companies like Microsoft, OpenAI, and Blackstone announced commitments exceeding $200 billion in investments in Britain over the next decade. Similarly, British firms, including pharmaceutical giant GSK, declared plans to invest in the U.S. While such pledges are typical during high-profile international visits, the British government views these as a crucial economic boost amidst its efforts to stimulate growth.
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Nuclear Energy Cooperation: Despite stark differences in their broader climate and energy strategies, President Trump and Prime Minister Starmer found common ground on nuclear power. They finalized an agreement to construct more nuclear plants in Britain, with Starmer’s government fast-tracking reviews and Trump issuing executive orders to accelerate U.S. reactor approvals.
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Public Protests: On Wednesday, thousands of demonstrators gathered in central London to protest Mr. Trump’s presence, highlighting a stark contrast to the lavish red-carpet welcome he received from the royal family and political elite during his meticulously planned visit.
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First Lady’s Engagements: Queen Camilla hosted Mrs. Trump on Thursday, offering a personal tour of Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House at Windsor Castle – a detailed miniature palace gifted in 1924 to showcase British craftsmanship. Later, Mrs. Trump joined Catherine, Princess of Wales, at Frogmore Gardens for an event with the British Scouts Association.
During his press conference remarks on the Gaza conflict, President Trump notably omitted any reference to Palestinian casualties or the severe humanitarian crisis, including widespread hunger, in the region.
Prime Minister Starmer revealed that he and President Trump engaged in extensive private discussions on global affairs, including Gaza. Starmer acknowledged the prolonged captivity of Israeli hostages, prompting Trump to declare, “Simply, I want the hostages released now.” However, Trump confirmed a fundamental ‘disagreement’ with Starmer regarding the recognition of Palestinian statehood.
The press conference opened with a direct question to President Trump about his potential influence on Israel regarding the Gaza war, especially as Britain prepares to recognize Palestinian statehood. Prime Minister Starmer was also pressed on the practical impact of this diplomatic move.
Before President Trump spoke, Prime Minister Starmer publicly committed to joint efforts to resolve the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East, emphasizing the need for aid, hostage release, and a comprehensive plan for lasting peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.
Following his expressions of gratitude for the UK’s hospitality, President Trump reiterated his praises for the American economy during the joint news conference.
President Trump commended Prime Minister Starmer as a “tough negotiator,” implying that any trade deal might have favored the UK. However, this contrasts with the prevalent British view that tariffs on their exports remain elevated compared to before Trump’s second presidential term.
At the onset of the news conference, Prime Minister Starmer directly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that Putin had revealed his “true face” in his comments regarding support for Ukraine, made while standing alongside President Trump.
Opening the joint news conference, Prime Minister Starmer delivered an optimistic address, highlighting strong Anglo-American collaboration across security, technology, and economic sectors. He declared, “We have renewed our special relationship for a new era.”
President Trump and Prime Minister Starmer, accompanied by their wives, observed a spectacular display by the British Army’s parachute team, the Red Devils, ahead of their anticipated news conference.
The recently signed technology agreement between President Trump and Prime Minister Starmer was reportedly orchestrated by Peter Mandelson, who was dismissed by Starmer as ambassador to Washington just last week due to his association with Jeffrey Epstein.
During a business gathering, Prime Minister Starmer remained expressionless as President Trump asserted, “We’re really the ones who can do tariffs. No one else can do them.” This statement highlighted Britain’s ongoing struggle to secure relief from U.S. steel tariffs.
President Trump and Prime Minister Starmer officially signed a technology partnership agreement, which they hailed as a crucial step for the United States and Britain to spearhead global advancements in artificial intelligence and other high-tech fields.
Upon his arrival at Chequers, the Prime Minister’s country residence, President Trump was welcomed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his wife, Victoria, signaling the start of formal diplomatic negotiations.
Downing Street revoked the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s accreditation for the joint news conference, citing “logistical reasons.” This decision followed an ABC journalist’s inquiry to President Trump about his business dealings prior to his UK departure, to which Trump responded that the journalist was “hurting Australia.” An ABC spokesperson denied any connection between the two events. The British government, in a separate statement, attributed the limited media access to “inevitable high demand” and capacity constraints for the press conference at Chequers.
President Trump’s itinerary intentionally kept him outside central London, with his next destination being Chequers, the Prime Minister’s country residence. This strategic move allowed him to avoid the significant anti-Trump demonstrations taking place in the capital.
The formal royal engagements of President Trump’s state visit concluded as he departed for Chequers to focus on political and policy discussions with Prime Minister Starmer. Meanwhile, First Lady Melania Trump remained at Windsor Castle, with a tour of Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House planned with Queen Camilla.
After an overnight stay at Windsor Castle, President Trump bid farewell to King Charles, praising him as “a great gentleman and a great king.” Trump then proceeded to Chequers for crucial meetings with the British Prime Minister and a subsequent news conference.
Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House at Windsor Castle, a captivating miniature palace built between 1921 and 1924, was a highlight of the First Lady’s visit. This intricately crafted model, including a jeweled replica of Britain’s Imperial State Crown, was personally showcased by Queen Camilla to Melania Trump. Originally a gift to Queen Mary in 1924, it represented the pinnacle of British craftsmanship, not merely a toy, featuring remarkable details like running water and electric lifts. The house’s centenary celebration allows visitors a closer look at its wonders, a display that Royal Collection Trust curator Kathryn Jones describes as having ‘instant charm’ and being ‘quite layered’.
Despite vastly different approaches to climate and energy policies, President Trump and Prime Minister Starmer found common ground on nuclear power. While Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Agreement and championed coal, and Starmer pushed ambitious emissions reduction targets and renewable energy, both leaders agreed to accelerate the construction of new nuclear plants in Britain. This collaboration on nuclear energy, a zero-emission source, is seen by both administrations as ushering in a ‘golden age’ or ‘renaissance’ of nuclear power, with commitments to fast-track approvals in both countries.
During President Trump’s state visit, the British government highlighted pledges from American companies like Microsoft, OpenAI, and Blackstone totaling over $200 billion in UK investments over the next decade. British firms, including GSK, reciprocated with U.S. investment promises. While such announcements often accompany high-profile visits and involve existing investors, the UK government is promoting these as a crucial boost to economic growth amid challenges like high inflation and impending tax increases. Despite these investment pledges, the UK has struggled to secure tariff concessions from the Trump administration on key exports like steel and Scotch whisky, leaving Starmer’s government hoping the new investments will mitigate some economic pressures.