During their joint news conference, President Trump and Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Britain announced a significant technology partnership. This agreement aims to position both the United States and Britain at the forefront of artificial intelligence and other high-tech innovations globally.
In their private discussions, the two leaders also delved into the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, conflicts that have notably driven a wedge between the U.S. President and other Western allies, who have adopted a more critical stance toward Israel and Russia. Despite these underlying tensions, Prime Minister Starmer emphasized unity during the news conference.
“We are committed to working together to alleviate the humanitarian catastrophe in the Middle East,” Mr. Starmer stated. However, when questioned about Britain’s and other allies’ recognition of Palestinian statehood, Mr. Trump openly acknowledged a “disagreement” with the Prime Minister. His comments on the Gaza conflict focused primarily on the suffering of Israelis, without mentioning Palestinians.
Conversely, the leaders appeared to be in stronger alignment regarding Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. “We are also collaborating to bring an end to the violence in Ukraine,” Mr. Starmer declared. He further condemned President Vladimir V. Putin’s recent actions, describing them as the most severe attacks since the invasion began, marked by increased bloodshed, civilian casualties, and unprecedented violations of NATO airspace. These, Starmer asserted, are not the actions of a leader genuinely seeking peace.
Mr. Trump echoed Starmer’s sentiment, stating, “He’s let me down, he’s really let me down.” He added, “He’s killing many people, and he’s losing more people than he’s killing.”
This two-day trip offered Mr. Trump a temporary respite from domestic political pressures. Wednesday saw him enjoying a state dinner at Windsor Castle with King Charles III, where he lavished praise on the British royal family. However, on Thursday, with a focus on more substantive matters, Mr. Trump couldn’t resist criticizing his predecessor, Joseph R. Biden, Jr., bringing U.S. politics into the international spotlight.
Key takeaways from the visit also include:
- Investments: Companies like Microsoft, OpenAI, and Blackstone have committed over $200 billion in investments in Britain over the next decade. British firms such as GSK have also pledged investments in the U.S. While such pledges are common during high-profile visits, the British government views these commitments as a crucial economic boost amidst its efforts to stimulate growth.
- Nuclear Energy: Though Mr. Trump and Mr. Starmer are far apart on most climate and energy policies, they seem to agree on nuclear energy, having struck a deal to build more nuclear plants in Britain. Mr. Starmer’s administration has promised to fast-track reviews of proposed new plants, while Mr. Trump has issued executive orders to speed up the approvals of nuclear reactors in the United States.
- Protests: Thousands of demonstrators gathered in central London on Wednesday to demonstrate against Mr. Trump’s visit, starkly contrasting the lavish royal reception and political engagements.
- First Lady’s Engagements: Queen Camilla hosted Mrs. Trump for a tour of Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, showcasing exquisite British craftsmanship. Later, Mrs. Trump joined Catherine, Princess of Wales, at Frogmore Gardens for an event with Britain’s Scouts Association.
The British media presented a divided front in its interpretation of President Trump’s state visit. Was it a shrewd diplomatic move, using royal grandeur to further national interests, or an undignified display of deference to a volatile American president?
Newspaper front pages were adorned with images of a glittering banquet at Windsor Castle and Mr. Trump’s horse-drawn carriage procession. The contrasting viewpoints were best captured by two prominent tabloids:
- The Sun, known for its conservative leanings, ran with the optimistic headline “The Special Bond,” highlighting Mr. Trump’s speech praising the U.S.-Britain relationship.
- In stark contrast, the left-leaning Daily Mirror’s front page declared, “The royals did their job. They smiled, laughed …. and massaged Trump’s frail ego.” The paper’s royal editor further suggested that in desperate times, “our dutiful royals serve us well.”
A more poignant commentary emerged in The Guardian, where a poem by former poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy implicitly connected the opulent state dinner to the escalating humanitarian crisis and suffering in the Gaza, questioning the stark contrast in realities. Many protesters in London also voiced concerns about America’s strong support for Israel amid the Gaza conflict.
Beyond Gaza, critics like Max Hastings, a writer and former editor of The Daily Telegraph, accused Mr. Trump of destabilizing the global order, labeling him “a destroyer.” On the economic front, The Guardian also reported on American companies pledging an estimated £150 billion in investments in Britain, which Prime Minister Starmer hoped would appease critics of the visit. This pragmatic view underscored how much of the media saw the visit as a means to an economic end for Britain. As Mr. Trump’s visit concludes, the enduring question remains whether the political and diplomatic benefits will ultimately justify the controversy for his many British detractors.
President Trump’s stance on free speech in the U.K. and U.S. during his visit revealed a striking double standard. Just weeks prior, he criticized British police for arresting an Irish comedian over online posts allegedly inciting violence against transgender people, calling it “sad” and expressing concern about a “crackdown” on free speech in the U.K.
Yet, while in Britain, Mr. Trump lauded the indefinite suspension of American comedian Jimmy Kimmel by ABC. Kimmel’s suspension followed comments made during his monologue about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, with Kimmel implying attempts by “MAGA gang” to politicize the tragedy.
The network’s decision came amidst threats from top Trump administration officials, including the FCC chairman, who suggested agency action against ABC for Kimmel’s remarks. This incident is part of a broader national campaign by Trump allies against individuals expressing critical views of Kirk, leading to numerous job terminations and suspensions. This highlights a clear divergence in approach: Mr. Trump and his administration criticize perceived suppression of right-wing views in Britain while actively pursuing measures against critical speech within the United States, arguing they are “fixing” what the “radical left” has “damaged.”
In a move expected shortly after President Trump’s departure, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to confirm Britain’s formal recognition of a Palestinian state at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York. While not entirely unforeseen, this decision, first announced by Starmer in July conditional on a ceasefire in Gaza, places Britain at odds with the United States.
President Trump has maintained his opposition to Palestinian statehood, though he has largely avoided making it a contentious issue with Starmer, with whom he shares a surprisingly warm relationship. During a prior visit to Scotland, Trump emphasized humanitarian aid over political recognition, stating his focus was on “getting people fed right now” due to “starving people” in the region.
However, Vice President JD Vance was more direct, confirming the U.S. had “no plans to recognize a Palestinian state” during an August visit to Britain, questioning the meaning of such recognition “given the lack of a functional government there.” Starmer’s push for recognition is also influenced by significant domestic pressure from his Labour Party and the wider British public, driven by intensifying Israeli operations in Gaza and a worsening humanitarian crisis. Having worked as a human rights lawyer, Starmer expressed that “the situation is simply intolerable” and voiced concern that the “idea of a two-state solution is reducing and feels further away today than it has for many years.”
Despite the high-profile state visit, the energy and climate policies of the U.S. and U.K. leaders remain largely divergent, with one notable exception: nuclear power. President Trump has withdrawn the U.S. from the Paris Agreement and advocates for a return to coal, even ordering some old coal-fired plants to remain operational. In stark contrast, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has set an ambitious target to reduce Britain’s climate pollution by 81% by 2035 (from 1990 levels) and aims for electricity primarily from renewable sources by 2030, having already closed Britain’s last coal plant last year. While Trump criticizes “windmills” and pushes for more oil, Starmer champions accelerated transition away from fossil fuels.
The shared ground lies in nuclear energy. Both leaders have agreed to build more nuclear plants in Britain. Nuclear energy, which produces no greenhouse gas emissions, aligns with Britain’s climate goals despite concerns about safety and waste. Both administrations are committed to fast-tracking approvals for new nuclear reactors, with Starmer adopting Trump’s rhetoric of ushering in a “golden age” of nuclear energy.
Amidst the formal ceremonies of President Trump’s state visit, the British government highlighted significant pledges of investment from American companies, aiming to boost public confidence in the economy. Major tech and finance firms, including Microsoft, OpenAI, and Blackstone, committed over $200 billion (or £150 billion) to Britain over the next decade. Reciprocally, British companies like pharmaceutical giant GSK announced investments in the United States.
While such investment pledges are customary during high-profile diplomatic events and often come from companies already established in the host country, the British government sees them as a vital win in its struggle to enhance economic growth. These announcements arrive as Britain faces an annual inflation rate nearly double its central bank’s target, with interest rates remaining high. Upcoming budget plans hint at potential tax increases, and trade negotiations with the Trump administration have yet to yield concessions on tariffs for British products like steel and Scotch whisky. Thus, these U.S. investments are hoped to alleviate some of Britain’s current economic challenges.