Trump heads to UK for historic second state visit

 US Leader, Donald Trump will receive the full red-carpet treatment this week as he embarks on an unprecedented second UK state visit the first U.S. president ever to be granted such an honor. Arriving with his wife, Melania, on September 16 at the invitation of King Charles III, Trump will be treated to a pageantry-filled itinerary designed to showcase Britains royal grandeur. From a carriage procession and military flyover to a state banquet at Windsor Castle, the events are aimed at appealing to Trumps long-standing fascination with the monarchy.Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to use the visit to strengthen ties with Washington, with discussions set to focus on trade, tariffs, and the war in Ukraine. The British leader has worked to keep relations warm since Trumps return to the White House in January, despite their contrasting political leanings. This is really special, this has never happened before, this is unprecedented, Starmer said earlier this year when he personally delivered the kings invitation to Trump at the Oval Office. Trump, in turn, described Charles who is undergoing cancer treatment as a great, great gentleman. The visit also highlights Britains efforts to preserve its special relationship with the U.S., particularly at a time when Trump is reshaping global alliances. Royal engagements will begin Wednesday when Prince William and Princess Catherine welcome the Trumps to Windsor. King Charles and Queen Camilla will then lead the traditional state ceremonies, culminating in a grand banquet. Trump will also pay a private visit to the grave of Queen Elizabeth II, who hosted him during his first state visit in 2019. On Thursday, attention will shift to politics. At Chequers, Starmer and Trump are expected to announce a world-leading tech partnership and a major civil nuclear deal. Both leaders will also discuss Ukraine, with Britain and other European allies urging Trump to maintain support for Kyiv amid concerns over his warmer posture toward Russian President Vladimir Putin. Melania Trump will have a separate program, joining Queen Camilla and Princess Catherine for events including a tour of the Queen Mary Dolls House and a youth scouting activity. Despite the pomp, diplomatic strains linger. The White House confirmed Trump plans to raise how important it is for the Prime Minister to protect free speech in the UK, echoing a theme pushed by Elon Musk at a far-right gathering in Britain days earlier.Adding to the tension, Starmer last week dismissed Britains ambassador to Washington, Peter Mandelson, over his links to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein a scandal that continues to shadow Trump at home.The post Trump heads to UK for historic second state visit appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.