Live Updates: Trump and Starmer Sign Business Deals on Day 2 of State Visit

President Trump and Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Britain officially signed a groundbreaking technology partnership agreement. Both leaders heralded the deal as a crucial step 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, filled with lavish royal ceremonies. The two-day trip offered Mr. Trump a brief respite from domestic political pressures, allowing him to largely sidestep contentious issues such as trade and ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. However, Mr. Starmer was expected to bring these topics to the forefront during their discussions, with both leaders likely facing questions at a Thursday afternoon news conference.

The diplomatic engagements followed a day of grand spectacle, highlighted by a white-tie dinner at Windsor Castle. There, Mr. Trump publicly praised the British royal family, delighting in the opulent setting where White House officials, cabinet secretaries, and American business leaders mingled with their British counterparts and aristocracy.

Upon departing Windsor Castle for Chequers, the British prime minister’s country residence, President Trump described King Charles III as ‘a great gentleman and a great king.’

Meanwhile, First Lady Melania Trump continued her royal engagements, participating in events with Queen Camilla and Catherine, Princess of Wales, at Windsor Castle.

Key Highlights from the State Visit:

• Economic Investments: In conjunction with Mr. Trump’s visit, major companies like Microsoft, OpenAI, and Blackstone pledged over $200 billion in investments in Britain for the coming decade. Conversely, British firms, including pharmaceutical giant GSK, announced investments in the United States. These pledges, while customary during high-profile visits, are seen by the British government as a vital boost for economic growth during challenging times.
• Nuclear Energy Collaboration: Despite significant differences in climate and energy policies, both Mr. Trump and Mr. Starmer found common ground on nuclear energy. They sealed a deal to construct more nuclear power plants in Britain. This initiative, which produces no greenhouse gas emissions, aligns with Britain’s climate goals. Starmer’s administration promised expedited reviews for new plants, mirroring Trump’s executive orders to accelerate reactor approvals in the US.
• Public Protests: The state visit was met with widespread demonstrations in central London on Wednesday, as thousands protested against Mr. Trump’s presence. This public opposition stood in stark contrast to the red-carpet welcome he received from royalty and political leaders.
• First Lady’s Engagements: Queen Camilla personally guided Mrs. Trump on a tour of Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, a century-old miniature palace renowned for its exquisite British craftsmanship. Later, Mrs. Trump joined Catherine, Princess of Wales, at Frogmore Gardens for an event with Britain’s Scouts Association.

Behind the Scenes: Media Debates, Diplomacy, and Free Speech

The tech agreement between Trump and Starmer was reportedly shaped by Peter Mandelson, who was recently dismissed by Starmer as ambassador to Washington due to his association with Jeffrey Epstein.

At a business event, Prime Minister Starmer remained notably composed as President Trump asserted America’s unique position on trade, stating, ‘We’re really the ones who can do tariffs. No one else can do them.’ This exchange took place as Britain continues its unsuccessful efforts to secure relief from US steel tariffs.

Britain’s media outlets offered sharply divided interpretations of the state visit’s initial day. Some hailed it as a triumph of British diplomacy, using royal pomp to serve national interests. Others condemned it as a humiliating display of deference to a volatile American president.

Newspaper front pages featured glittering banquet photos and images of Trump’s horse-drawn carriage procession through Windsor Castle. The conservative tabloid, The Sun, celebrated ‘The Special Bond,’ highlighting Trump’s praise for the US-Britain relationship. In contrast, the left-leaning Daily Mirror bluntly stated: ‘The royals did their job. They smiled, laughed …. and massaged Trump’s frail ego.’

The Guardian, a more literary publication, featured a poem by Carol Ann Duffy, a former poet laureate, that evoked images of a ceremonial banquet unfolding amidst a bomb site, a clear commentary on the stark contrast between the opulence of the state dinner and the devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Concerns over the conflict in Gaza and America’s support for Israel were prominent among protesters. Even Max Hastings, a right-leaning writer, joined the London protests, accusing Mr. Trump of destabilizing the world order, calling him ‘a destroyer.’

President Trump’s visit also brought to light a double standard on free speech. While criticizing the UK for arresting an Irish comedian over online posts that allegedly incited violence against transgender people, Trump celebrated ABC’s suspension of Jimmy Kimmel following comments about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Trump’s administration, including Vice President JD Vance, has actively pursued a national campaign against critics of Kirk, highlighting a clear divergence in free speech approaches between the US and Europe.

Further Developments

• President Trump, accompanied by top aides including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, arrived via Marine One at Chequers, the prime minister’s country residence, signaling the start of formal diplomatic talks.
• Downing Street controversially withdrew accreditation for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation to attend a joint news conference, citing ‘logistical reasons.’ This decision came after an ABC journalist questioned Trump about his business dealings, leading the president to claim the journalist was ‘hurting Australia.’
• After the royal festivities concluded, President Trump headed to Chequers for political meetings, while Melania Trump remained at Windsor Castle for further engagements with Queen Camilla.
• Hours after Trump’s departure, Prime Minister Starmer is expected to announce Britain’s formal recognition of Palestinian statehood at the UN General Assembly. This move, driven by domestic political pressure amid the escalating Gaza crisis, places Britain at odds with the US, as Trump opposes such recognition.

The ongoing question remains whether the political and diplomatic gains from the visit will be sufficient to convince Mr. Trump’s many British critics that the pomp and ceremony were ultimately worthwhile.