IRIA News

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U.S. President Donald Trump concluded his state visit to the United Kingdom on September 19 with high praise for his hosts and the signing of a new U.S.-UK technology partnership, highlighting artificial intelligence and nuclear energy cooperation as key pillars of future collaboration.

Capping a two-day visit marked by royal pageantry and behind-the-scenes diplomacy, Trump stood alongside British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to announce what he called a “historic” bilateral agreement aimed at deepening cooperation in emerging technologies. The two leaders highlighted the pact as a cornerstone for long-term innovation leadership, linking it to broader security and economic goals in an increasingly contested global tech landscape.

Trump and Starmer acknowledged differences on Middle East policy, particularly Palestinian statehood, during a joint press conference. However, their unified tone on defense-related priorities, such as managing the impact of wars in Ukraine and Gaza and addressing transatlantic trade tensions.

During his second state visit to the UK, Trump was welcomed with an elaborate ceremony at Windsor Castle amid tight security and vocal protests. The visit, hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, comes as the White House and Downing Street seek to showcase closer economic ties alongside longstanding cultural and political bonds.

📸 Royal Views from Windsor Castle pic.twitter.com/Sz6cEnrNa6

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 18, 2025

After arriving by helicopter within the castle grounds, Trump and First Lady Melania Trump joined the king in a horse-drawn carriage procession confined to the royal estate. Security officials cited concerns about public demonstrations, which drew an estimated 5,000 protesters in London and smaller groups in Windsor.

The first day concluded with a state banquet inside Windsor Castle, attended by senior royals, business leaders, and political figures. Guests included Apple CEO Tim Cook, Nvidia’s Jensen Huang, and OpenAI’s Sam Altman. The menu featured Norfolk chicken ballotine and a vanilla ice-cream bombe with Kentish raspberry sorbet. A whisky sour cocktail garnished with a marshmallow was served, although Trump, who does not drink alcohol, declined it.

Royal speeches highlight shared legacy

In his speech at the banquet, King Charles emphasized the duty to safeguard the environment for “the next 250 years and beyond.” He called on both nations to ensure that future generations could inherit “natural treasures.”

Trump praised the “special relationship” between the U.S. and the UK, saying the word “special does not begin to do it justice.” He described the king as a “very, very special man” and compared the two nations to “two notes in one chord” and “two verses of the same poem.”

Trump called the king and queen “two fantastic people” and said he was” “tremendously thankful” and “grateful beyond words” for the hospitality.

The president also laid a wreath at Queen Elizabeth II’s tomb in St George’s Chapel and toured historic artefacts relating to Anglo-American relations. Viewing documents tied to U.S. independence, Trump remarked, “Wow, that’s fascinating.”

Protests and political tensions

Demonstrators in London gathered under the Stop Trump Coalition banner, with musician Billy Bragg performing and comedian Nish Kumar mocking the U.S. president with a blow-up ball depicting Vice President JD Vance’s face. Thames Valley Police reported two arrests linked to demonstrations in Windsor.

The visit also comes after two difficult weeks for Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who lost Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and dismissed U.S. Ambassador Peter Mandelson over ties to the late Jeffrey Epstein. Trump has himself faced scrutiny regarding past connections to the financier.

Trump-Starmer meeting

Trump held a joint press conference alongside Prime Minister Keir Starmer after meeting on the second day of his visit. Starmer declared, “We’ve renewed the special relationship for a new era,” stressing economic benefits including a record $205 billion U.S. investment and tech pacts worth over $172 billion. Trump praised Starmer as a “tough negotiator” on tariffs and emphasized, “We’re forever joined, and we are forever friends.”

Both leaders were upbeat about business ties, with Starmer noting the deals would “light up the special relationship for years to come.” Trump described the transatlantic bond as “priceless,” adding, “I think it’s an unbreakable bond we have, regardless of what we’re doing today.”

Yet foreign policy revealed differences. Starmer pressed for stronger pressure on Putin over Ukraine, while Trump criticized Russian oil sales but offered no new sanctions. On Gaza, Trump opposed recognition of Palestine, admitting, “I have a disagreement with the Prime Minister on that score.”

🇺🇸 🤝 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/JlQrMxpSjr

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 18, 2025

Addressing Mandelson’s dismissal, Trump said, “I don’t know him actually,” while Starmer reiterated his decision was “very clear.” The visit ended with both reaffirming shared values and friendship.

Massive US investment package announced

Seeking to turn attention to economic gains, Starmer unveiled what he called the largest-ever inward investment commitment to the UK: a $195 billion package from American companies.

The largest pledge came from private equity firm Blackstone, which committed $117 billion over the next decade. This was in addition to a $13 billion investment announced earlier this year for an artificial intelligence data center. Other contributions included $5.1 billion from logistics investment firm Prologis and $1.9 billion from technology company Palantir.

The UK government said the investments would create 7,600 jobs in fields such as clean energy and life sciences. Starmer hailed the announcement as proof that Britain was “open, ambitious and ready to lead.”

Tech giants step up commitments

Separate announcements from US technology companies accompanied the broader package. Microsoft unveiled plans for $39 billion in UK spending, its largest investment outside the United States. Google pledged $8.8 billion.

Former UK deputy prime minister Nick Clegg, speaking at a media conference in Cambridge, criticized the deals as “sloppy seconds from Silicon Valley.” He argued that companies were already building infrastructure globally and that the timing had been advanced to align with Trump’s visit. Critics have also questioned whether the UK granted concessions on regulation or taxation.

Gifts and protocol

To mark the visit, Trump received a bespoke red ministerial box adorned with the U.S. presidential seal. The first lady will be presented with a silk scarf inspired by artwork created by Ukrainian children. The royal family also gifted Trump the flag flown over Buckingham Palace on his inauguration day.

Trump appeared to breach royal protocol by twice placing a hand on the king’s back during the day’s events.

The first day also featured one of the largest ceremonial deployments for a foreign leader in recent UK history, with 1,300 personnel from the Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force. A flypast by F-35 fighter jets was canceled due to weather, though the Red Arrows performed.

Trump praised the reception, calling the visit one of the “highest honours” of his life. He commended Prince William as an “unbelievable success in the future” and described Princess Catherine as “radiant, healthy, and beautiful.”