US President Donald Trump’s return to the United Kingdom this week for a state visit is set to draw attention and spark debate, echoing the controversies that surrounded his first trip six years ago.
During his initial visit in June 2019, Trump met the late Queen for tea, openly criticized London Mayor Sadiq Khan as "a stone-cold loser", endorsed Boris Johnson in the Tory leadership race, and suggested that the NHS should factor into US-UK trade talks.
The visit drew widespread public backlash, including a petition with over one million signatures opposing the state visit, mass protests, and the now-famous “Trump Baby” inflatable.
This week’s visit, unprecedented for a non-royal guest, is expected to generate similarly high tensions. Protests are already being planned, and diplomatic unease has been heightened by the dismissal of Lord Mandelson as UK ambassador to the US.
Authorities have spent months preparing for Trump’s arrival on Wednesday and Thursday, but despite careful planning, organisers remain wary of potential disruptions.
For many involved in the visit’s coordination, the Mandelson incident represents just one of several concerns that could complicate proceedings.
The visit comes at a time when public opinion remains sharply divided, with many remembering the chaos and confrontations that marked Trump’s first trip. Officials are now focused on balancing security and diplomacy while anticipating a mix of protests and high-profile engagements.
