Trump’s second UK state visit: What’s next for UK-US ties?

In contrast to usual second-term American presidential visits, typically relaxed affairs, Trump's full state visit, at the invitation of King Charles III, is an historic exception. The visit from September 16 to 18 includes a Windsor Castle reception, a state banquet, and consequential trade talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

While the supporters hail the transatlantic relationship, the Stop Trump Coalition orchestrates demonstrations against Trump's policies, including those on Gaza and climate. Up for grabs is a possible $10 billion trade agreement in tech, nuclear, and defense, which could define UK-US relations for years to come.

How the Visit Works

A state visit is a formal diplomatic event, prompted by the host country's monarch or leader, intended to reinforce bonds and indicate friendliness.

Trump's invite, presented by Starmer in February 2025 at a White House session, flouts convention, as second-term American presidents traditionally get lower-key invites. The trip has ceremonial elements such as a carriage ride, a flypast by the Royal Air Force, and a state dinner, along with serious talks at Chequers. Security is high, with more than 6,300 police sent out across London, Windsor, and other areas of protest.

Key Events and Players

Windsor Castle Welcome : Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are greeted by the Prince and Princess of Wales, King Charles III, and Queen Camilla, followed by a wreath-laying at Queen Elizabeth II’s tomb and a flypast by UK and U.S. F-35 jets and the Red Arrows.

State Banquet: Hosted by King Charles III, with speeches celebrating the UK-US alliance as “a beacon of shared values.”

Chequers Talks: Trump and Starmer negotiate a multibillion-dollar trade agreement, expanding on the May 2025 Economic Prosperity Agreement, centered around technology, civil nuclear power, and defense.

Protests: The Stop Trump Coalition hold protests in London, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and outside Trump's Scottish golf resort, with Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey joining to protest against Trump's stance on Gaza.

Why the Stakes Are High

The UK, the U.S.'s single biggest trading partner with £315 billion in 2024 trade, wants a big deal to balance Trump's tariff-focused policies and keep up with EU trade offers. The visit is an opportunity to promote a tech-centric partnership, such as on AI and nuclear power, in the face of competition with China. But disagreements on Ukraine, Gaza, and Trump's "America First" strategy might put pressure on talks. The Commons Business and Trade Committee has dubbed it a time to "maximise pressure" for an agreement that delivers economic stability and Western technological dominance.

A Volatile Diplomatic Moment

Public opinion is polarized, with protagonists such as Republicans Overseas UK applauding Trump's Anglophile connections, but protesters condemning his climate denialism and foreign policy. Security fears are higher after recent U.S. events, such as the murder of Charlie Kirk and a 2024 bid on Trump's life. In spite of protests, peace has generally held, but the fate of the Chequers negotiations hangs in the balance, with tariffs and international tensions casting a shadow.

The Road Ahead

This is a more than symbolic visit,it's an examination of whether the UK and U.S. can create a deeper economic and strategic alliance. A successful trade agreement can cement the transatlantic alliance, but if it fails, it can deepen divisions. As Trump and Starmer go into these negotiations, the world waits to find out if this groundbreaking visit will bring sustainable change or be a brief moment of pomp and protest.