Trump Begins UK State Visit Amidst Tight Security & Trade Focus
LONDON, UK – Former U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in London Tuesday evening, kicking off a three-day state visit to the United Kingdom. His plane landed at 9:07 PM local time (5:07 PM Brasilia time) and the visit is scheduled to conclude on Thursday, the 18th. The trip centers around official engagements with the royal family, political discussions, and the potential signing of notable strategic agreements.
Trump and his wife, Melania, were greeted with military honors upon arrival. Wednesday’s schedule includes a visit to Windsor Castle for a meeting with King Charles III and Queen Camilla, featuring a guard of honor, carriage procession, and a state banquet. The President will also participate in a tribute to Queen elizabeth II at St George’s Chapel, observing a military display including the Red Arrows Squadron and F-35 fighter jets.
Thursday will see Trump meet with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers, the British Prime Minister’s country residence. Discussions are expected to focus on trade, international security, and collaboration in science and technology, with potential transactions valued around $10 billion. A visit to the Winston churchill archives and a joint press conference are also planned.
A key element of the visit is the anticipated signing of the tech Prosperity Deal, a negotiation aimed at fostering substantial investment in areas like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and cloud infrastructure. The agreement seeks to bolster the strategic alliance between the UK and the US, with further discussions planned regarding nuclear and geopolitical energy concerns, particularly in relation to ongoing international conflicts.
The visit is taking place under heightened security measures, including a significant police presence, airspace restrictions, and road closures throughout London. Protests against Trump’s presence are expected, and the meeting has drawn criticism from the British opposition. However, the UK government anticipates the visit will strengthen bilateral relations and reaffirm the long-standing partnership between Washington and London.
This marks Trump’s first return to London as leaving office in 2021, following a previous visit during his first term in 2018.
