Donald Trump Arrives in UK for Historic Second State Visit

US President Donald Trump has arrived in the United Kingdom for an unprecedented second state visit, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump. The couple touched down at London Stansted Airport on Tuesday evening aboard Air Force One, ahead of a packed two-day programme that includes meetings with King Charles, military parades, and a potential flypast by the Red Arrows alongside British and American F-35 jets.

The visit comes amid widespread criticism in the UK of Trump’s policies and rhetoric. The Stop Trump Coalition organized a protest in Windsor on Tuesday, with further demonstrations planned in central London on Wednesday.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan condemned the president in an op-ed in The Guardian, stating that Trump “has done more than anyone else to fan the flames of divisive, far-right politics around the world in recent years.” Khan criticized Trump’s domestic policies, including his use of the military in US cities and targeting of minority groups, describing them as “straight out of the autocrat’s playbook.”

Khan added that while it is pragmatic for the UK to maintain strong ties with the US, British leaders should not shy away from criticising a leader whose actions have contributed to global political division. “The special relationship between the UK and US includes being open and honest with each other,” Khan said, “and at times, this means being a critical friend and speaking truth to power.”

Trump’s arrival at Stansted was marked by formal protocol. The US chief of protocol, Monica Crowley, welcomed the couple, while Henry Hood, Lord-in-Waiting, represented the king. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and other officials were also present. The Trumps then boarded Marine One for the short flight to Winfield House, the official London residence of the US ambassador in Regent’s Park.

Meanwhile, approximately 70 protesters gathered outside Windsor Castle on Tuesday to oppose Trump’s state visit. The Stop Trump Coalition marched from Windsor High Street to the castle’s King Henry VIII gateway. Thames Valley Police reported that four individuals were arrested on suspicion of malicious communications after images of Trump and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein were projected onto the castle walls.

The visit marks the first of several planned appearances and demonstrations during Trump’s stay in the UK.