President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a joint press conference at Chequers following Trump's second state visit to the UK, where they addressed key international issues including the war in Ukraine, free speech, immigration, and trade, while navigating diplomatic sensitivities around Gaza and the UK's recognition of Palestinian statehood.
Trump notably shifted his stance on Russia, blaming President Vladimir Putin for the war in Ukraine and stating he felt "really let down" by him, and suggested that falling oil prices, driven by European and Indian imports of Russian oil, would force Putin to exit the war; while Starmer emphasized the need for increased pressure on Putin to achieve a lasting peace deal.
The conference also saw Trump advise Starmer to use military force to control irregular migration, a suggestion that drew attention given the UK's recent one-in-one-out migrant return deal.
On free speech, Starmer falsely claimed the UK's commitment to protecting it as a "founding value" but stressed the need to draw a line against online content that promotes paedophilia and suicide, particularly to children, a position that aligned with US concerns about tech regulation.
The leaders discussed the UK's planned recognition of Palestinian statehood, with Trump acknowledging it as "one of our few disagreements" but avoiding direct criticism, while Starmer emphasized the need for a peace plan and humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Trump praised the UK's commitment to increasing defense spending to 5% of GDP, a move that reportedly won favour in the White House, and lauded the "unbreakable bond" between the two nations, signing a new tech prosperity agreement with major US and UK companies.
Trump appeared to forget Peter Mandelson, the UK ambassador to the US who was recently fired over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, claiming he "didn't know him" despite meeting him during the signing of the UK-US trade deal.
The press conference followed a lavish state visit at Windsor Castle, including a royal dinner and a military welcome, but was also marked by protests, with 70% of Britons reportedly disliking Trump and 44% believing his visit should be canceled.
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President Donald Trump was welcomed to Windsor Castle on Wednesday, for his unprecedented second state visit to the United Kingdom, greeted by King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Princess Catherine. The visit is the first time a U.S. president has been invited for a second state visit by a British monarch, following his 2019 visit under the late Queen.
The visit featured a grand royal carriage procession, a state banquet for 160 guests in St. George’s Hall, and a full program of ceremonial events, including a joint U.S.-U.K. military flyover and a special musical performance.
Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrived at Windsor Castle aboard Marine One, which landed inside the Walled Garden, a rare occurrence.
The couple was greeted by Prince William and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, before joining King Charles III for a carriage procession through the royal estate in the Irish State Coach, followed by Queen Camilla and Melania Trump in the Scottish State Coach.
The procession was escorted by 80 soldiers from the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and flanked by the Life Guards and the Blues and Royals, with 1,300 military personnel and 120 horses participating in the ceremony.
A 41-round gun salute and the playing of both nations' national anthems marked the arrival.
Trump and the King inspected the Guard of Honor before attending lunch in the State Dining Room.
Tiffany Trump joined dad Trump to meet the British Royal during the historic state visit. The 31-year-old, who gave birth to son Alexander in May, was accompanied by husband Michael Boulos, 28, for the trip. The couple were spotted arriving to the state banquet hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, where the President and First Lady are guests of honor.
Tiffany, who entered with Michael behind Kate Middleton and Prince William, opted for a royal blue off-the-shoulder gown which shimmered with sequins.
The state dinner was held in St. George’s Hall, where the Waterloo Table, capable of seating 160 guests, was set with over 4,000 pieces of silver and china. Guests included British politicians and Trump administration officials.
President Trump was also accompanied by several prominent tech executives at the state banquet. The guest list included the CEOs of Apple, OpenAI, Nvidia, Microsoft and Google DeepMin, Tim Cook, Sam Altman, Jensen Huang, Satya Nadella and Demis Hassabis respectively, and Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer for Alphabet (Google), and her husband. Rupert Murdoch, the News Corp and Fox Corporation owner was also present. Trump recently filed a lawusuit against him and and his media outlet Wall Street Journal.
Trump delivered a toast at the Windsor Castle banquet, praising the "special relationship" between the U.S. and U.K. He described the relationship as "priceless, eternal. It's irreplaceable and unbreakable," comparing the nations to "two notes in one chord or two verses of a poem" and praising King Charles as a "very, very special man" and Prince William as "remarkable."
"It’s a singular privilege to be the first American president welcomed here and, if you think about it, it’s a lot of presidents and this was the second state visit, and that’s the first, and maybe that’s going to be the last time," said Trump to bust of laughter in the room. "But this is truly one of the highest honors of my life, such respect for you and such respect for your country."
In his toast, King Charles paid tribute to the "special relationship," stating the U.S. and U.K. are now the "closest of kin," having fought, died, innovated, traded, and mourned together. He emphasized the enduring bond between the two nations and urged global cooperation on environmental stewardship.
The King urged Trump to consider the importance of protecting the environment, stating the legacy of both nations should ensure future generations experience "natural treasures" and have access to clean water, air, and food.
The musical program at the banquet included classical pieces, the Rolling Stones' "You Can't Always Get What You Want," and a James Bond Medley, reflecting Trump's personal playlist.
The wine list featured a 2016 Wiston Estate Cuvée, a 2018 Domaine Bonneau de Martray, Corton-Charlemagne, a 2000 Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello, and a 1998 Pol Roger, Extra Cuvée de Réserve.
After dinner, guests were served Warre’s 1945 Vintage Port, Hennessy 1912 Cognac, and Bowmore Queen’s Cask 1980, a gift to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Trump visited St. George’s Chapel, where he laid a wreath at the tomb of the late Queen Elizabeth II and toured the historic chapel.
Despite the royal welcome, protests by far-leftists occurred in London, with over 1,500 police deployed and around 50 groups represented, including the Stop Trump Coalition, who opposed the visit due to Trump's policies
On Tuesday night, images of Trump and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein were projected onto Windsor Castle, leading to four arrests.
