Trump heads to UK for bilateral talks, pageantry
President Donald Trump is scheduled to land in Britain on Tuesday afternoon for a historic state visit that will blend royal pageantry with weighty political talks. The trip comes at a sensitive moment for both governments, with Washington managing foreign crises and London facing political uncertainty at home.
What’s on the agenda?
Trump and first lady Melania Trump will be hosted by King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William and Princess Catherine at Windsor Castle. The royal welcome will feature a carriage procession, military honors, a lunch and a wreath-laying at Queen Elizabeth II’s tomb.
On Wednesday, both Trump and Charles are scheduled to deliver public remarks.
On Thursday, Trump will head to Chequers, the prime minister’s country residence, for bilateral talks with Keir Starmer. The leaders will meet business executives and announce investment deals. The first lady will remain in Windsor, where she will tour the royal library and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House before joining her husband on the return flight to Washington.
What’s on the table?
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The UK–US nuclear pact lets regulators use each other’s safety findings, aiming to cut licensing to roughly two years and speed new investments.
Trade and investment are central to the visit. The U.K. has announced a new nuclear power agreement that will speed the deployment of small modular reactors, and further announcements on technology and financial services are expected.
Google also revealed a $6.8 billion investment in artificial intelligence development in Britain, including a new data center outside London.
Ukraine will be a key diplomatic focus. Trump recently referred to Russia as “the aggressor” in the war, while European allies hope to reinforce his stance against Vladimir Putin.
Yet, in a twist, U.S. military officers just observed joint Russia-Belarus war drills — the first time since the 2022 invasion — as Trump’s administration seeks warmer ties with Minsk, according to Reuters reports.
Gaza and Middle East policy may also arise, as Britain prepares to support recognition of Palestinian statehood at the United Nations — a move Trump has publicly opposed.
Challenges and controversy
The state visit comes amid protests and political tension. British officials have taken steps to shield Trump from demonstrations, keeping him largely outside central London. Sensitive topics such as migration and free speech remain potential flashpoints.
Lingering questions about the Jeffrey Epstein scandal also hover over the event, following the dismissal of Britain’s ambassador to Washington, Peter Mandelson, last week. Prince Andrew will not appear during the ceremonies after his ties to Epstein forced him to retreat from public duties.
Despite these complications, British officials are banking on pomp and circumstance — including a flyover by British and American jets — to underscore that enduring importance of the U.S.-U.K. alliance.
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Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
