New Tech Alliance Forged During Pivotal UK-US State Visit
President Trump and Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Britain officially sealed a significant technology partnership agreement today. Both leaders highlighted their ambition for the United States and Britain to lead the world in artificial intelligence and other high-tech innovations.
This agreement marked the culmination of a meticulously planned state visit, complete with lavish royal ceremonies. The two-day trip offered Mr. Trump a brief respite from political pressures back home. Events on Wednesday largely steered clear of overt political debates and disagreements between the allies on sensitive issues like the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
However, during a news conference this afternoon, Prime Minister Starmer confirmed that these critical global conflicts were indeed discussed in private talks. He emphasized a unified front despite perceptions that Mr. Trump might favor certain positions held by Israel and Russia.
“We are committed to working together to end the humanitarian catastrophe in the Middle East,” Mr. Starmer declared. He further added, “We’re also collaborating to halt the violence in Ukraine. Putin’s recent actions, including the largest attacks since the invasion began and unprecedented violations of NATO airspace, reveal his true intentions. These are not the deeds of someone seeking peace.”
Responding to this, Mr. Trump remarked about President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia, “He’s let me down, he’s really let me down.”
Wednesday’s itinerary was filled with pomp, culminating in a white-tie dinner at Windsor Castle where Mr. Trump effusively praised the British royal family. White House officials, cabinet secretaries, and prominent American business figures joined their British counterparts and aristocracy in a setting that clearly delighted the President, known for his appreciation of grandeur.
Upon departing Windsor Castle this morning for Chequers, the Prime Minister’s country residence, Mr. Trump lauded King Charles III as a “great gentleman and a great king.”
First Lady Melania Trump remained at the castle, participating in events with Queen Camilla and Catherine, Princess of Wales.
Key Takeaways from the Visit:
- Major Investments: In conjunction with the visit, companies such as Microsoft, OpenAI, and Blackstone have pledged over $200 billion in investments in Britain over the next decade. Similarly, British firms, including pharmaceutical giant GSK, announced intentions to invest in the United States. While such commitments are common during high-profile diplomatic exchanges, the British government views these pledges as a crucial boost to economic growth.
- Nuclear Energy Collaboration: Despite differing views on broader climate and energy policies, both Mr. Trump and Mr. Starmer found common ground on nuclear energy. They agreed to a deal aimed at building more nuclear power plants in Britain. Starmer’s administration is committed to fast-tracking new plant reviews, mirroring Trump’s executive orders to expedite nuclear reactor approvals in the U.S.
- Widespread Protests: The elaborate royal reception for Mr. Trump stood in stark contrast to the thousands of protesters who gathered in central London on Wednesday, demonstrating against his visit.
- First Lady’s Engagements: Queen Camilla personally guided Mrs. Trump on a tour of Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House at Windsor Castle, a century-old miniature palace celebrated for its exquisite British craftsmanship. Later, Mrs. Trump joined Catherine, Princess of Wales, at Frogmore Gardens for an event with Britain’s Scouts Association.
Further Developments and Reactions:
Regarding illegal migration into Britain, President Trump stated, “I told the prime minister I would stop it,” suggesting the use of any means necessary, including military deployment – a measure not currently being contemplated by the British. On the war in Gaza, Mr. Trump’s response to questions about influencing Israel omitted any mention of Palestinian casualties or the escalating humanitarian crisis. Prime Minister Starmer, however, emphasized working together to end the humanitarian catastrophe, secure aid, free hostages, and progress towards a comprehensive peace plan for Israelis and Palestinians. While Starmer acknowledged the Israeli hostages had been held too long, Trump simply demanded, “I want the hostages released now.” The two leaders ultimately expressed disagreement on the concept of Palestinian statehood.
As the joint news conference commenced, Prime Minister Starmer was notably critical of Russian President Vladimir V. Putin, accusing him of showing his “true face” through recent attacks in Ukraine, even as he stood beside President Trump. Starmer stressed renewed Anglo-American cooperation on security, technology, and economic fronts, declaring, “We have renewed our special relationship for a new era.”
A notable update from Mark Landler revealed that the tech deal signed was significantly shaped by Peter Mandelson, who had recently been dismissed by Starmer as ambassador to Washington following revelations about his association with Jeffrey Epstein.
The British media presented a divided front on the visit, some hailing it as a “masterful act of British diplomacy” using royal influence for national interest, others condemning it as “abject groveling” to a President with a “frail ego.” Headlines ranged from “The Special Bond” in The Sun to the Daily Mirror’s assertion that “The royals did their job. They smiled, laughed …. and massaged Trump’s frail ego.” A poem in The Guardian even starkly contrasted the opulent state dinner with the suffering in Gaza. Concerns over America’s extensive support for Israel fueled many London protests. Ultimately, the question remains whether the political and diplomatic gains will justify the visit in the eyes of its many British critics.
Meanwhile, First Lady Melania Trump engaged in separate royal events, touring the Royal Library with Queen Camilla and viewing historical artifacts including Leonardo da Vinci drawings and writings by Queen Elizabeth I. Later, she joined Catherine, Princess of Wales, at Frogmore Gardens for an event with the Scouts Association, tracing the movement’s origins in Britain to Robert Baden-Powell in 1907.
A surprising element of the visit involved free speech. After President Trump criticized the UK’s approach to free speech following the arrest of an Irish comedian for anti-transgender posts, his own administration forced the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel over comments regarding the assassination of a conservative activist. Trump publicly praised Kimmel’s suspension, highlighting a perceived double standard in his administration’s stance on free speech at home versus abroad. This incident underscored a national campaign by Trump allies against critics of the recently deceased activist, Charlie Kirk, leading to numerous job suspensions and firings.
Additionally, just hours after Trump’s departure, Prime Minister Starmer is expected to confirm that Britain will vote to formally recognize a Palestinian state at the upcoming UN General Assembly. This move, driven by domestic political pressure and the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, contrasts with President Trump’s opposition to Palestinian statehood, despite a seemingly warm relationship between the two leaders.
Economically, the visit aimed to mitigate Britain’s financial challenges. American companies, including Microsoft and Blackstone, pledged over $200 billion in investments, with British firms like GSK reciprocating investments in the U.S. These commitments are seen as a win for the British government, even as they face inflation and tariff challenges with the Trump administration.