President Donald Trump's reception upon his arrival in the United Kingdom wasn't exactly warm. Prime Minister Keir Starmer failed to roll out the red carpet welcome for the U.K.'s biggest ally.
The lack of a high-profile welcome was noticeable as America's first family deboarded from Air Force One with no greeting from Starmer. Honor guard was kept to a minimum, and Trump was greeted by an unknown, low-level diplomat.
As you can see in the video below, the reception was cold, especially when compared to other greetings from the U.K. government.
🚨The disrespect of the British government towards our great President continues: President Trump landed in London last night with the First Lady. No red carpet was rolled out. The British Prime Minister did not come to greet him. Just disgusting pic.twitter.com/VMyUSUZZye
— Raylan Givens (@JewishWarrior13) September 17, 2025
The relationship between Trump and Starmer hasn't exactly been cordial, and that's being kind. The two couldn't be more ideologically opposed, and Starmer seems to work with Trump because he has to, not because he wants to. His own Labour Party abhors Trump, like the Democratic Party in the U.S., and as such, Starmer puts on displays that please his party while still playing by the rules.
So it's hard not to take this minimal greeting as a show of the Labour Party's ire at Trump.
But while Starmer's government was cold, the Royal Family did more than just roll out the red carpet. They gave Trump the works, including a royal carriage ride under full ceremonial guard.
WHAT A SIGHT! Carriages for @POTUS, @FLOTUS, and Their Majesties arrive at Windsor Castle in a remarkable welcome for the unprecedented second state visit of President Donald J. Trump 🇺🇸🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/NAgxH5XAia
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) September 17, 2025
Understand that this is pretty unprecedented, according to ABC, which notes that this is the first time a president got two state invitations:
The visit and invitation for the state visit are historic because Trump will become the first elected political leader in modern times to be hosted for two state visits by a British monarch.
During a background call on Monday with reporters, White House officials said that this visit will highlight what they called the deep ties between the United States and the United Kingdom.
"This historic second state visit is set to highlight and renew the special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom. At the same time, the visit will recognize and celebrate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States," a White House official told reporters during a background call previewing the trip.
King Charles took Trump in the Irish State Coach, an ornate carriage used for ceremonial occasions, while First Lady Melania Trump and Queen Camilla rode in the Scottish State Coach.
At one point, during a review of the troops, Trump stepped in front of the King, which is against protocol; however, he was invited to do so by King Charles himself, according to the Associated Press.
BREAKING: President Trump walks ahead of King Charles, breaking royal protocol. pic.twitter.com/LJGjGzXN4k
— The General (@GeneralMCNews) September 17, 2025
Trump is set to meet with Starmer on Thursday to discuss the U.K.-U.S. technology deal, as reported by the AP:
The British government hopes the deal, and billions in investment from U.S. tech companies, will help show that the trans-Atlantic bond remains strong despite differences over Ukraine, the Middle East and the future of NATO.
Watching Trump meet with Starmer after his cold greeting will be an interesting one, but the Royal Family's unprecedented golden treatment of Trump may ease tensions.
Editor’s Note: Thanks to President Trump and his administration’s bold leadership, we are respected on the world stage, and our enemies are being put on notice.
Help us continue to report on the administration’s peace through strength foreign policy and its successes. Join RedState and use promo code FIGHT to get 60% off your VIP membership.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member