Trump to make historic second UK State visit at King's invitation
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Donald Trump will make a rare second UK state visit in September, signaling closer US-UK ties amid global trade tensions, though his domestic reception remains sharply divided.
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Britain's King Charles III attends the Trooping The Colour parade, in London, June 17, 2023 (AP)
US President Donald Trump has been formally invited by King Charles for a second state visit to the United Kingdom this September, the first elected politician in modern history to receive such an honor twice. The visit, scheduled for September 17–19, will take place during the UK Parliament’s recess, a calculated move that avoids the politically contentious possibility of Trump addressing British lawmakers.
The invitation, initially delivered by Prime Minister Keir Starmer during his visit to Washington in February, is part of a broader strategy to recalibrate and fortify transatlantic ties. This outreach has already delivered concrete trade benefits: the Trump administration has agreed to lower tariffs on British automotive and aerospace exports. Ongoing negotiations also seek relief on tariffs imposed on steel and aluminum products, which are still under scrutiny due to US concerns over UK supply chains.
Read more: Bank of England warns Trump tariffs could spark corporate defaults
While the invitation marks a diplomatic win, it has also sparked domestic backlash. Fifteen Labour MPs, alongside five others, signed a parliamentary motion opposing any address by Trump in Westminster, accusing him of "misogyny, racism and xenophobia." The timing of the visit, when Parliament is not sitting, appears to preempt such controversy.
Polarized Reception
Diplomatic gains abroad stand in sharp contrast to Trump’s reception at home. At the FIFA Club World Cup final in New Jersey on Sunday, Trump was booed by spectators during the national anthem and again while presenting the trophy to Chelsea alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The episode underscored the persistent polarization of his domestic standing, even as he is welcomed abroad with royal honors.
Trump would hate it if you shared this video of him being booed loudly as he took the stage for the Club World Cup trophy presentation. pic.twitter.com/qJyFC0KNIX
— Devin Duke (@sirDukeDevin) July 13, 2025
Trump, an outspoken admirer of the monarchy, previously posted on Truth Social, "I Love King Charles." During his first state visit in 2019, he drew criticism for breaches of royal protocol and his attacks on then-London Mayor Sadiq Khan. Tens of thousands protested his presence in London, a reminder that public opposition remains a key variable in the optics of his return.
While the royal household will host Trump and his wife, Melania, at Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace has yet to release a full itinerary for the three-day visit. However, British Ambassador to the US Peter Mandelson stated that the UK will offer Trump "respect, not sycophancy," while emphasizing the president’s trust in Starmer and admiration for Britain.
