Ahead of the visit, the opening salvo was fired by London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who highlighted new Home Office data showing a record number of Americans applying for UK citizenship. He attributed this surge to London’s “liberal values” and diversity, remarks widely seen as a direct rebuke of Trump.
“Many Americans identify with our values—adherence to the rule of law, celebrating diversity, and defending minority rights,” the mayor stated. Earlier in the month, Khan had said in an interview, “I’ll show him mosques, diversity, and the Notting Hill Carnival. It’ll prove that multi-culturalism is our greatest strength.”
The US president, who has repeatedly called Khan a “stone cold loser” and accused him of presiding over a rise in crime in the capital, is unlikely to let the criticism go unanswered.
Protests and Security Concerns Right-leaning commentators in Britain have urged restraint. Writing in the Telegraph, columnist Brendan O’Neill warned Khan against repeating what he called “infantile stunts,” referencing the giant “Trump Baby” balloon flown over Parliament Square during a previous visit. “Our relationship with America is more important than ever,” he cautioned.
However, protests are already planned. The Stop Trump Coalition has announced a large-scale march in London for Wednesday, the first day of the visit when Trump will meet King Charles and PM Keir Starmer. The demonstration follows a recent far-right rally in London, addressed by former Trump advisor Elon Musk, whose warnings of a violent uprising drew condemnation from Starmer.
Behind the scenes, officials are bracing for potential pitfalls. The BBC reports that Windsor Castle has been transformed into a “ring of steel,” with 1,300 troops and 120 horses deployed for the ceremonial welcome. Palace aides have meticulously planned banquet seating and menus to ensure the president feels honored, while also crafting King Charles’s speech to avoid political controversy.
Official state visits by US presidents are rare, making this week’s event diplomatically significant. However, with protests on the streets and a simmering feud between Sadiq Khan and Trump, the risk of political theatre overshadowing the visit’s substance remains high.
