United News of Bangladesh

U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in the United Kingdom on Tuesday for a state visit that blends high-stakes diplomacy with royal pageantry, as London hopes to secure major technology and trade deals despite ongoing tensions over Ukraine, the Middle East and the Western alliance. The two-day trip features horse-drawn carriages, military guards of honor and a grand banquet at Windsor Castle, where King Charles III will host the president. Trump will also hold talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers, the British leader’s countryside retreat. Starmer’s office said the visit underscores that “the U.K.-U.S. relationship is the strongest in the world, built on 250 years of history,” while the White House described it as an opportunity to deepen ties and mark the upcoming U.S. 250th anniversary. “This trip to the U.K. is going to be incredible,” Trump told reporters before departing, praising Windsor Castle as “amazing.” Trump becomes the first U.S. president to be accorded a second state visit to Britain, a gesture that reflects both his fondness for royal ceremony and foreign governments’ recognition of his taste for grandeur. Starmer has already sought to cultivate goodwill with Trump, praising his Oval Office décor and even visiting Trump’s golf courses in Scotland earlier this year. But the Labour leader faces unease within his party, as Trump remains deeply unpopular across Europe. The president will avoid Parliament — which is in recess — as well as mass protests planned in London, with most events scheduled at Windsor and Chequers. Analysts say the visit is crucial for Starmer’s image as a statesman, though politically risky. The trip comes at a turbulent moment for Starmer’s government. He recently dismissed Britain’s ambassador to Washington, Peter Mandelson, over past ties to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, and his deputy prime minister resigned over a tax issue. Trump, however, has publicly described Starmer as “a friend,” despite their political differences. Both leaders are expected to announce a major technology partnership involving U.S. investment in nuclear energy, life sciences and AI data centers. Business leaders, including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and OpenAI chief Sam Altman, are part of the U.S. delegation. The May trade agreement easing U.S. tariffs on Britain’s auto and aerospace sectors is also set to be advanced, though disputes remain over steel, aluminum and pharmaceuticals. Starmer also hopes to reinforce U.S. support for Ukraine. While Trump has criticized Vladimir Putin, he has stopped short of imposing new sanctions. The two leaders are also divided on Gaza, with Starmer pledging to back recognition of a Palestinian state at the UN later this month. Despite disagreements, London views the visit as a chance to demonstrate stability in the transatlantic alliance while securing tangible economic gains.