Trump embarks on historic second state visit to the UK

President Donald Trump began his historic second state visit to the United Kingdom on September 17, 2025, becoming the first U.S. president to receive this honor twice. Accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, they were warmly greeted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle. The visit featured elaborate ceremonies, including a guard of honor with over 1,300 troops, a horse-drawn carriage procession, and a state banquet.

Held in St. George’s Hall, the banquet saw attendance from U.S. and U.K. dignitaries, as well as leaders from business and technology sectors. Both King Charles and President Trump underscored the significance of the “special relationship” between the nations in their speeches. The event showcased traditional British cuisine and military performances, reflecting the longstanding connections between the U.S. and the U.K.

A significant highlight of the visit was the announcements made by major U.S. tech companies regarding large investments in the U.K.’s computing and AI infrastructure. Microsoft pledged $30 billion by 2028, including $15 billion for cloud and AI infrastructure, with plans for the U.K.’s largest supercomputer. Nvidia revealed a plan for deploying 120,000 Blackwell AI chips, creating Europe’s largest AI cluster, while Google committed £5 billion to expand its AI unit, DeepMind.

However, the visit also faced opposition, with protests erupting in London and Windsor against President Trump’s policies. Activists projected images associating Trump with Jeffrey Epstein onto Windsor Castle, resulting in four arrests. Critics questioned the royal family’s decision to host him amid the controversy.

Following the celebrations, President Trump and Prime Minister Keir Starmer are expected to discuss trade, technology, and global issues, highlighting the evolving dynamics of the U.S.-U.K. alliance.