Trump's UK Visit Highlights Warm Relations but Limited Influence

Tue Oct 21 2025 03:20:22 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Donald Trump's state visit to the UK showcased the leaders' personal rapport but underscored the challenges for the UK in influencing US policy.

During his state visit to the UK, Donald Trump expressed enjoyment in his meetings, particularly with the Royal Family, yet his chief of staff underscored that this would not alter the UK's ability to impact US policies. The warmth between Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer was evident, yet significant disagreements on issues such as trade and international relations remain.

There is little doubt that Donald Trump was more enthused about the day he spent at Windsor Castle than his talks with Sir Keir Starmer at Chequers. And that is no slight on the UK prime minister's hospitality during this state visit, which Trump and his team have been eager to praise.

Starmer's country residence is undoubtedly an impressive meeting place, and there was even an aerial display by the British Army's Red Devils who flew enormous British and American flags to welcome the US leader to the Buckinghamshire countryside.

But as much as Trump appears to genuinely like Starmer, with their warm relationship on display at a joint news conference on Thursday, the president was totally beguiled by being hosted by the King and Queen on Wednesday.

According to his chief of staff, Susie Wiles, his definitive highlight of the trip was the elaborate evening banquet for 160 guests in Windsor Castle's St George's Hall that evening.

For Trump, who has a deep and longstanding admiration for the Royals, it is hard to compete with being toasted by the King. No matter how many jets are laid on for you in the skies above Chequers.

State visits like these allow presidents and prime ministers to connect with one another on a more personal level, offering a chance for their respective staff to build working relationships. They are also an opportunity to demonstrate the closeness of relations on a big stage. In this sense, it was smooth sailing for both sides.

However, there are limits to how much influence any leader can have on Trump, regardless of the success of a trip such as this. Inside Chequers, Wiles was frank about the lack of impact on Britain's ability to influence US policy on trade, tariffs, and international affairs. While Trump enjoyed his state visit, he is not going to alter his positions on important global matters because of a memorable night spent at Windsor Castle.

Despite the pomp and pageantry, Starmer appears to have at least earned the right to respectfully disagree with Trump without paying a diplomatic penalty. Carefully navigating the relationship has allowed the UK to avoid the punishingly high trade tariffs that have been imposed on other nations, and Starmer has not faced a humiliating dressing down or derogatory nickname from Trump.

This visit lacked the awkwardness observed in previous meetings with other world leaders. Notably, when the two men discussed sensitive topics like the UK's plan to recognize Palestinian statehood, Trump disagreed but maintained a cordial demeanor. They also navigated discussions on Gaza and Ukraine, although it was clear that no substantial shifts in policy were made.

The lavish state visit choreographed by Starmer did delight Trump and the First Lady, ensuring that while he may not have changed the president's mind, he can disagree without risking relations, making future disagreements feel less threatening than before.