Donald Trump is set to return to the UK tomorrow for an unprecedented second state visit – but should we really be rolling out the red carpet? With controversy never far behind, his impending trip is already dividing opinion – and we want to know what you think
Donald Trump arrives in the UK tomorrow for an historic second state visit as president, with the establishment preparing for a full-on royal ceremony – with Windsor Castle, guard of honour, a state banquet, flypasts, and more.
This makes Trump the first elected politician in modern history to be hosted twice for such an occasion by the British Royals. But the fanfare comes at a time when his presidency is – incredibly – getting more and more divisive, with many questioning whether we should really be rolling out the red carpet. We want to know what YOU think about the special treatment – scroll down to take our poll and share your thoughts.
Our country really is going all-out to welcome him, with Trump and First Lady Melania hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle, joined by senior royals including the Prince and Princess of Wales.
But Trump’s past relationships to Jeffrey Epstein continue to be a source of scrutiny and scandal. His rhetoric about foreign leaders, including his treatment of Ukrainian President Zelensky, and his controversial policy decisions – notably over Gaza – leave some questioning whether such diplomatic grandeur is really so appropriate.
The timing is delicate too. The UK government has just sacked its ambassador to Washington, Peter Mandelson, over his own Jeffrey Epstein-linked controversy, adding fresh awkwardness to this visit. With that said, we’re asking: Is the UK right to roll out the red carpet for Trump? Take our poll below, and if you can’t see it, click here
On one hand, there are strong arguments in favour. State visits are tools of soft diplomacy, royal ceremony can bolster ties, provide spectacle, foster goodwill and set the stage for business, trade, and geopolitical cooperation. The UK is pushing for deeper technology partnerships, civil nuclear deals, and favourable trade arrangements.
On the other hand, there are ethics at play, too. Does honouring him in this way kind of condone controversies around his character, past associations, polarising policies, and rhetoric? Protests are expected, and many UK citizens will feel the state honours are undeserved. The huge cost, both financially in terms of security and logistics, and reputationally, is also significant.
As in 2019, Trump’s movements are expected to be tightly controlled. His previous visit excluded a Mall procession and relied heavily on air transport rather than road travel. Similar precautions – likely to be even more intense after the recent shooting of American political activist and author Charlie Kirk – are expected this time around.
Speaking in April, Trump said: “I’m a friend of Charles, I have great respect for King Charles and the family, William. We have really just a great respect for the family.” What do YOU think? Is the UK right to roll out the red carpet for Trump? Take our poll above and expand on your decision in the comments below.
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