UK courts Trump with state honors, protesters try to steal spotlight

The United Kingdom welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump with full state honors on Wednesday, as the White House and Downing Street sought to emphasize diplomacy, trade, and transatlantic unity—while protests briefly threatened to steal the spotlight.

Trump and First Lady Melania were hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle, where they are staying during the high-profile visit. The pageantry included ceremonial guards, a state banquet, and plans for extensive talks between Trump and Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers, the PM’s official country residence. Officials on both sides stressed the importance of resetting the U.S.-UK relationship, with trade, NATO commitments, and joint security topping the agenda.

However, the carefully choreographed welcome faced disruption on Tuesday night when activist group Led by Donkeys projected a video montage onto one of Windsor Castle’s towers. The projection included images of Trump’s mugshot, disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, and past footage of the two men together. Police swiftly intervened, arresting four people on suspicion of “malicious communications,” and stressed that unauthorized activities near the royal residence would not be tolerated.

Despite the stunt, officials downplayed the incident, highlighting instead the historic importance of the visit. “This is about strengthening our economic and strategic partnership,” a UK government spokesperson said. Dozens of anti-Trump demonstrators gathered in Windsor ahead of the president’s arrival, with larger protests expected in London.

Still, Trump’s schedule has been designed to minimize public exposure, focusing on private engagements with the British monarch and government officials. The president is expected to conclude his UK trip after Thursday’s talks with Starmer, before returning to Washington.