Amid pomp and ceremony, US President Donald Trump touched down in Britain for a state visit that has rapidly become a focal point for public discontent.
Besides London, the demonstrations have been spreading to other cities, with the protesters criticizing Trump's policies towards Russia-Ukraine, the Gaza war, and other global matters.
The British authorities assured that the visit is taking place under close security, with extra measures being observed for Trump's engagements with the royal family and future talks at Chequers.
Trump arrives, protests ensue
The protests started Tuesday evening when Trump arrived at Stansted Airport. Hours later, there were about 5,000 protesters in the streets of London. By Wednesday, while Trump was meeting the royals, there were another 5,000 protesters holding placards that read "Dump Trump" and denouncing his policies.
Activist group Led By Donkeys were at the forefront of the protests. The group put up images of Trump and Jeffrey Epstein onto Windsor Castle in a video called "The Story of Trump and Epstein." Their message on Instagram was: "Hey Donald, welcome." Four members were arrested for "malicious communications," which was the first for the group.
Protesters used all manner of protest, from masks of Vladimir Putin and Benjamin Netanyahu to placards labeling Trump and his friends as "war criminals."
Public sentiment reflects government concerns
London Mayor Sadiq Khan, in a Guardian opinion piece, blamed Trump for energizing far-right politics and called on Britons to resist his "politics of fear." Public opinion seems to second this advice: an Ipsos survey published Tuesday indicated that 61% of Britons view the president unfavorably.
Protests overshadow pageantry
As Trump's state visit goes under tight security, ceremonial pomp at Windsor Castle is being overtaken by the crowds, chanting, and projections on the streets that demonstrate a country divided regarding the president's legacy.
