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LONDON — Numerous Londoners perceive the British government’s warm welcome for President Donald Trump as essential.
During Trump’s previous state visit to the UK at the end of his first term, many European leaders subtly expressed their disdain for him, affecting diplomatic relations.
However, in Trump’s second term, European leaders, especially British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, have made significant efforts to accommodate him, hoping that flattery can help them navigate his complex policies.
Victor Obinna, a rideshare driver in London, commented on Starmer’s approach, stating, “I think [Starmer is] cozying up just about as much as he can to try to get a good deal for the British people, on trade and other things. The ‘special relationship,’ he’s keeping it special.” He also noted that Trump’s controversial private life remains a topic of concern among Brits.
Obinna specifically mentioned the “Epstein business,” referring to the recent dismissal of UK Ambassador to the U.S. Lord Peter Mandelson after both he and Trump were mentioned in a book associated with Jeffrey Epstein.
“I’m not quite sure if they’re that way inclined, if you know what I mean, but politicians like to bask in wealth and all that kind of stuff,” he added. “They love it, but you never know what may come to bite you 20 years later.”
Trump is scheduled to meet with Starmer several times during his trip, which lasts from Tuesday to Thursday, and will receive royal support to maintain favorable relations.
Prince William and Princess Catherine will greet Trump and First Lady Melania Trump upon their arrival in London and accompany them to Windsor Castle, the historic home of the British monarchy.
At Windsor, Trump will receive a royal salute, a joint U.S.-U.K. F-35 flyover, and will enjoy a private state lunch with King Charles III and Queen Camilla, followed by a lavish state banquet.
Additionally, Trump plans to participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at Queen Elizabeth II’s tomb and will visit the Sir Winston Churchill archives after meetings with Starmer and his wife, Lady Victoria.
Paul Hutchins, a bartender in West London, expressed his displeasure with Trump but acknowledged the necessity of engaging with him. “He’s a f***ing wanker, but he’s back, so you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do, I guess,” he said. He added that if Starmer or Charles could secure tariff exemptions for alcoholic beverages from Trump, “all the boot licking would be worth it.”
Conversely, many in the UK have embraced Trump’s return to power, with some adopting similar sentiments. British conservative activist Tommy Robinson organized a large protest recently to honor Charlie Kirk and challenge Britain’s immigration policies.
A hotel doorman near Buckingham Palace, who identified himself as Godwin, remarked, “You should have been here Saturday. These blokes just showed up out of thin air. Never seen anything like it, my son.” He refrained from giving his last name, fearing repercussions for his views, but praised Trump for encouraging his fellow countrymen to find their voice. “I’m absolutely buzzed. This has been years in the making,” he said, adding that Trump has addressed British conservatives’ concerns about free speech violations.
Andrei, a British citizen with Ukrainian heritage, expressed surprise at Trump’s stance on the war in Ukraine, suggesting that former President Joe Biden’s inaction allowed Russia to invade. “I thought it would be more of the same, just based on what [Trump] was saying last year,” he noted. “But he’s surprised me. Standing up to Putin, forcing Europe to stop importing Russian oil. That shows some stones, and he’s got some work cut out for him yet, but I think it’s going to work.”
Even Obinna acknowledged, “some of [Trump’s] policies are good.” He added, “It’s just the way he implements it. Too drastic, and that’s what I think, generally, is the problem with the English people liking him. They think certain things need to be well thought through. Need to take time. People need to adjust, that kind of thing. But I think he’s the kind of person that says, ‘This is what’s going to happen during my term,’ and he gets it done.”
