President Donald Trump touched down in England on Tuesday evening, September 16, 2025, marking the start of a state visit that’s already stirring up both anticipation and controversy across the Atlantic. The trip, which will see Trump meet with King Charles III at Windsor Castle and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London, comes at a time of acute geopolitical tension and domestic political drama. With topics like the war in Ukraine, the conflict in Gaza, and thorny trade issues on the table, the world’s eyes are fixed on what promises to be a consequential few days in British-American relations.
Wednesday’s agenda is set for grandeur: Trump will join King Charles III and other members of the royal family at Windsor Castle, about 25 miles west of London. The ceremonial state banquet that evening is expected to be the centerpiece, a display of the enduring ties between the two nations. Yet, as The Hill points out, the real political fireworks are likely to ignite on Thursday, when Trump sits down with Prime Minister Starmer.
Central to those discussions will be the ongoing war in Ukraine and the recent escalation of Russian aggression. Just last week, Russian drones violated Polish airspace—a NATO member—prompting NATO to scramble fighter jets, including Dutch Lockheed Martin F-35s, to intercept the threat. British fighter jets have since been deployed to defend Polish airspace, a move confirmed by the UK government on Monday. The incident has rattled European capitals, with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk bluntly telling his Parliament, “the episode was the closest we have been to open conflict since World War II,” according to The New York Times.
Trump’s response to the drone incursion has drawn sharp criticism on both sides of the Atlantic. Initially, he took to Truth Social to post, “What’s with Russia violating Poland’s airspace with drones? Here we go!”—a statement that many saw as flippant. A day later, he offered, “It could have been a mistake,” referring to the drone penetration. These remarks have fueled concerns among European allies about Trump’s commitment to NATO and the seriousness with which he views Russian provocations. As The Hill notes, Starmer is expected to press Trump for a firmer stance on holding Russia accountable—a position that many in Europe feel is urgently needed.
The lack of a clear, consistent policy from Trump on Ukraine has become a persistent theme. As reported by The New York Times, Trump has repeatedly shifted the goalposts on when and how he might impose meaningful economic sanctions on Russia, often adding new conditions or timelines. Over the weekend, he declared that all European nations would need to stop buying oil from Moscow and that NATO countries should impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on China—demands that have left allies scratching their heads. Critics argue that Trump’s approach is more transactional than principled, focusing on trade surpluses, personal flattery, and potential business opportunities rather than shared democratic values.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, meanwhile, has taken matters into his own hands. In a Sunday address, Zelensky described Ukraine’s drone attacks on Russian oil refineries as “the most effective sanctions—the ones that work the fastest—are the fires at Russia’s oil refineries, its terminals, oil depots,” adding that these actions “significantly restrict the war.” With the U.S. hesitating, Ukraine appears determined to apply its own pressure directly at the source.
The situation has not gone unnoticed in Congress. Only one Republican, Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska, has openly criticized Trump’s handling of the Ukraine war, tweeting, “Mr. President, Putin is the one who is the invader. And now this war is on your watch, and you’ll be judged in the history books in the decades to come by your actions or lack thereof.” The broader Republican caucus, however, has remained largely silent, underscoring the divisive nature of the issue within American politics.
Thursday’s meeting between Trump and Starmer will also tackle economic matters. The British government announced over $1 billion in U.S. corporate investments last Saturday, including commitments from Bank of America and PayPal, with the potential to create up to 1,800 jobs in Britain. Trump and Starmer are expected to sign a tech deal during the visit, possibly with high-profile CEOs in attendance, and to advance an agreement aimed at expediting the use of nuclear energy. However, a sticking point remains: a 25 percent tariff on British steel, a legacy issue despite the broad U.S.-UK trade deal signed in June. Both leaders will be eager for positive headlines, but underlying tensions could complicate the narrative.
Amidst the high-level diplomacy, domestic scandals threaten to overshadow the visit. The resignation of Peter Mandelson as British ambassador to the U.S., following revelations of his connections with Jeffrey Epstein, has triggered an emergency debate in the British Parliament. Mandelson’s departure, far from quelling the controversy, has reignited questions about Prime Minister Starmer’s judgment in appointing him in the first place. Opposition parties are seizing the moment to keep the heat on Starmer, and questions about the scandal are expected to surface at the Trump-Starmer press conference.
The atmosphere in Britain has also been charged by recent far-right protests. More than 100,000 people gathered in London last Saturday, led by provocateur Tommy Robinson. The event, marred by clashes that left at least 26 police officers injured, featured a video address by Elon Musk, who warned, “violence is coming to you” and “you either fight back or you die.” Starmer’s spokesperson condemned the “dangerous and inflammatory language which threatens violence and intimidation,” a clear rebuke aimed at Musk’s remarks. Trump’s own right-wing populism has long resonated with segments of the British public, drawing parallels to the Brexit movement and the rise of figures like Nigel Farage. Whether Trump will comment on the protests remains to be seen, but any statement is sure to reverberate on both sides of the Atlantic.
Finally, the ceremonial aspects of the visit—Trump’s interactions with King Charles III and the royal family—will be closely watched for signs of warmth or awkwardness. Trump has expressed admiration for the British monarchy, particularly the late Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away three years ago this month. Yet King Charles’s personal reserve and his well-known advocacy for environmental issues stand in contrast to Trump’s style and priorities. Any moments of tension or camaraderie will be thoroughly dissected by the media, adding yet another layer to a visit already brimming with significance.
As Trump’s British sojourn unfolds, it stands as a microcosm of the broader challenges facing Western alliances: the struggle to present a united front in the face of aggression, the friction between economic interests and shared values, and the ever-present shadow of domestic scandals and populist unrest. The next few days will test not only the diplomatic skills of Trump and Starmer, but also the resilience of the transatlantic partnership itself.
