Donald Trump celebrates robust alliance between UK and US amid contentious second official visit marked by massive protests.

Donald Trump paid an emphatic tribute to King Charles and hailed the “special relationship” between the US and Britain during his second state visit, marking one of the highest honors of his life. This statement came as thousands of protesters expressed their discontent across London, indicating a divide in how the visit is viewed. The visit, characterized by grand displays of British pageantry, included lavish banquets and ceremonial events reflective of the historic bond between the two nations. Trump’s speech praised the “eternal” bond between America and the UK, emphasizing the irreplaceable and unbreakable nature of their relationship. The visit is also seen as an opportunity by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to strengthen economic ties, secure significant investment, ease tariffs, and address geopolitical issues like Ukraine and Israel. Despite the ceremonial warmth, the visit remains controversial, with widespread protests denoting Trump’s unpopularity in Britain. The presence of figures like Rupert Murdoch at state events and pre-existing deals with tech giants portray a strategy to leverage the visitor’s affection for the UK and the monarchy into tangible economic outcomes. The state visit thus unfolds in a backdrop of great historical significance and enduring political complexity.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/sep/18/trump-lauds-special-relationship-between-uk-and-us-as-historic-second-state-visit-sees-thousands-protest