Donald Trump aims to sidestep distractions during his second state visit to the UK, an unparalleled honour for a US president, amid a crisis engulfing Keir Starmer’s government that threatens to overshadow the proceedings. The crisis is intensified by the sacking of Peter Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to Washington after emails showed he had urged his associate Jeffrey Epstein to fight for early prison release in 2008. This situation is particularly delicate for Trump, whose own association with Epstein has drawn unfavorable attention, making it a topic he is keen to avoid discussing.
Michael Martins, a former US official, stated that both sides will seek to move past Mandelson’s dismissal from Washington. Trump’s primary concern will be the visual representation of the visit, aiming to project a presidential image through engagements with the monarchy. The two-day visit will be filled with ceremonial events, including a state banquet, military displays, and discussions on business and technology partnerships.
The absence of a US ambassador, following Mandelson’s exit, with James Roscoe serving in the interim, points to a gap in the government’s foreign policy. This visit highlights the tension between maintaining a strong relationship with the US and navigating internal political crises.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/sep/15/donald-trump-uk-state-visit-keir-starmer-peter-mandelson
