During his state visit to the UK, U.S. President Donald Trump left Windsor Castle on Thursday (Sept. 18) and headed to Chequers, the country retreat of the British Prime Minister, for a meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The two leaders discussed a range of trade and diplomatic issues, including policies toward Ukraine and Israel. They also attended a reception for business leaders, where they signed a bilateral technology cooperation agreement on the spot. On Wednesday, large-scale protests erupted in central London against Trump's visit, with thousands taking to the streets to express their dissatisfaction with U.S. foreign policies.
During the meeting, Starmer announced a massive U.S. investment plan for the UK worth up to £150 billion (approximately HK$1.6 trillion). The two leaders also signed the "Technology Prosperity Agreement" to enhance cooperation in fields such as artificial intelligence (AI). In his address to business leaders, Trump emphasized that the U.S.-UK relationship is "priceless" and "unbreakable." Starmer, at a joint press conference, stated that the U.S. and the UK had "redefined the special relationship for a new era."
King Praises Commitment to Resolving the Most Challenging Conflicts
Upon Trump's arrival in the UK, he was received with the highest level of royal hospitality. Trump and his wife, Melania, participated in a series of meticulously arranged royal ceremonies at Windsor Castle. Accompanied by King Charles III, Trump reviewed the Royal Guard and rode in a gilded carriage around the castle square. The Royal Air Force's "Red Arrows" aerobatic team flew overhead as a salute to Trump.
On Wednesday evening, King Charles III hosted a grand state banquet at Windsor Castle, attended by approximately 160 political and business leaders from both countries, including Apple CEO Tim Cook, Blackstone Group founder Stephen Schwarzman, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Treasury Secretary Bessent. In his speech, King Charles III praised Trump for his "commitment to resolving the world's most challenging conflicts" and emphasized the strong alliance between the two countries in defense, trade, and shared values. Trump described the U.S.-UK relationship as "priceless and eternal" and vowed that the two nations would continue to defend "the people and values of the English-speaking world."
Protesters Criticize U.S. Tariffs as a Global Disaster
In stark contrast to the royal festivities, large-scale protests erupted in central London on the same day. Police estimated that around 5,000 people gathered in Parliament Square to protest U.S. policies on the Gaza conflict, climate change, and immigration. The demonstration, organized by the "Stop Trump Coalition," featured slogans such as "No to Trump" and "Stop the War," accompanied by horns and drums as protesters marched from Portland Street to Parliament Square. Over 1,600 police officers were deployed to maintain order, with temporary traffic controls implemented on major roads.
Amanda, a protester from Los Angeles, stated that she had traveled to the UK specifically to join the protest. "The current situation is unsettling, and the U.S. lacks strong leadership. I am deeply concerned about the direction in which the U.S. and the world are heading," she said. Another protester from Hertfordshire, Threfall, criticized U.S. tariff policies, calling the trade war initiated by the U.S. a disaster for both America and the world.
Starmer Announces £1.6 Trillion U.S. Investment to Mitigate Anti-Trump Sentiment
On Wednesday (Sept. 17), UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a U.S. investment plan for the UK worth £150 billion (approximately HK$1.6 trillion), aiming to counter domestic criticism of Trump's visit with tangible economic outcomes.
Sources within the Prime Minister's Office noted that the value of this investment exceeds the total foreign investment attracted by the UK last year. Private equity giant Blackstone Group pledged £90 billion (approximately HK$957.6 billion) in investments over the next decade, while investment management firm Prologis and tech company Palantir plan to invest £3.9 billion (approximately HK$41.5 billion) and £1.5 billion (approximately HK$15.9 billion), respectively. Several U.S. tech giants recently announced combined investments of over £31 billion (approximately HK$328.9 billion) in the UK, covering key future sectors such as artificial intelligence, clean energy, and life sciences.
Starmer praised the investment plan, stating that "with a friend like the United States," the UK can create a better future for generations to come and meet the needs of its people. He emphasized that "this investment plan demonstrates the UK's economic strength and readiness to lead the world." The announcement came amid rising domestic opposition to Trump's visit, with thousands participating in the "Stop Trump Coalition" protest in London on Wednesday.
In contrast to Starmer's "inspired" attitude, former UK Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg argued that these U.S. companies would need infrastructure resources regardless, and are building data centers worldwide. Clegg also questioned the timing of Starmer's announcement, suggesting that the plan is merely part of these companies' global investments and was announced now to coincide with Trump's state visit.
Trump Arrives 21 Minutes Late for Meeting with King, Sparks Criticism for Leading Guard Inspection
On Wednesday (Sept. 17), Trump visited Windsor Castle to meet King Charles III. However, not only did Trump arrive 21 minutes late, but he also seemingly "ignored" the King during the welcome ceremony, walking ahead to review the guard alone. The footage sparked controversy online, with netizens criticizing Trump for disregarding royal etiquette and being disrespectful.
According to the Daily Mail, Trump and his wife, Melania, arrived at Windsor Castle by helicopter from London at 12:16 p.m., 21 minutes later than scheduled, which the report noted was highly unusual. Trump was then welcomed by King Charles III, and the two reviewed the guard together. Netizens on social media platform X shared clips of the incident, criticizing Trump for walking ahead of the King as if he weren't there, which they felt showed a lack of respect.
The report quoted Buckingham Palace officials defending Trump, denying that his actions were "rude." Separate footage from the royal podium at Windsor Castle showed that King Charles III indeed gestured for Trump to walk ahead, indicating that Trump did not violate any protocols or etiquette.
Murdoch as an Awkward Guest
Additionally, Trump attended a royal banquet at Windsor Castle on Wednesday evening. Media mogul Rupert Murdoch was reportedly among the guests, which came as a surprise. Trump had sued Murdoch, News Corp, Dow Jones & Company, and two Wall Street Journal reporters in July over an article linking him to the late financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, seeking at least US$10 billion (approximately HK$78 billion) in damages. Murdoch is the founder of News Corp. Agence France-Presse referred to Murdoch as an "awkward guest" in its coverage of the banquet. However, Trump did not object to Murdoch's inclusion on the guest list. British royal officials stated that the list was jointly prepared by the UK and the U.S. White House, while seating arrangements were handled by the British royal household.
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