London: US President Donald Trump has begun his two-day state visit to the United Kingdom, blending royal pageantry with high-stakes diplomacy as both nations seek to reinforce the “special relationship” while navigating political and economic challenges.
Trump was welcomed with full ceremonial honors, including a royal banquet at Windsor Castle hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. His schedule includes talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers, the prime minister’s country residence, as well as a wreath-laying at the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II.
The centerpiece of the visit is the announcement of a $42 billion “Tech Prosperity Deal” between the United States and the United Kingdom. The agreement, involving major companies such as Microsoft and NVIDIA, aims to boost collaboration in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and civil nuclear energy. Microsoft has pledged to build the UK’s largest AI supercomputer, a move seen as a significant step toward strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure.
Trade discussions are also high on the agenda, with London pushing for the removal of US tariffs on British steel and aluminium. While both sides have expressed optimism, the timeline for tariff adjustments remains uncertain. The visit underscores the UK’s effort to attract foreign investment and position itself as a hub for technological innovation.
However, the visit comes at a politically sensitive time for Starmer. His government has been rocked by the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner over tax irregularities and the dismissal of Ambassador to Washington Peter Mandelson over past ties with Jeffrey Epstein. The controversies have placed Starmer under pressure even as he seeks to showcase stability and leadership.
Security has been tight throughout Trump’s visit, with drone-related arrests near Windsor Castle underscoring the heightened precautions. Protests against Trump’s presence are also expected, reflecting divisions in British public opinion about hosting the US leader.
Despite differences between Washington and London on issues such as Ukraine and Middle East policy, the state visit highlights a shared interest in advancing economic cooperation and technological growth.
For the UK, the high-profile deals are a bid to demonstrate resilience and opportunity amid political strains, while for Trump, the visit reinforces his global profile and partnership with a key ally.