Donald Trump's state visit to the United Kingdom has been marked by both pomp and protest, reigniting a culture war over immigration and the UK's relationship with the US. The president, who arrived on Friday, is staying at his Turnberry golf resort in Scotland, where he will prepare for a summit with Vladimir Putin in Helsinki.
Trump's mother, Mary MacLeod, was born on the Hebridean island of Lewis, but the president rarely discusses his British heritage, preferring to highlight his German father. His visit to Scotland comes amid a heatwave, but the weather is not the only source of tension: the trip has drawn criticism from opponents of his immigration policies and interventions in British politics.
The visit was originally planned as a full state visit, an honour extended by then-Prime Minister Theresa May during a trip to Washington in 2017. However, the invitation quickly became controversial after Trump announced a travel ban on citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries. A petition to withdraw the Queen's invitation gained over 1.86 million signatures, though the visit went ahead.
Trump has also stirred controversy by intervening in UK politics, criticising London Mayor Sadiq Khan's response to the 2017 London Bridge terror attack and repeatedly commenting on Brexit. The political drama has intensified as Theresa May's government remains divided over leaving the EU, with Trump's visit adding fuel to the fire.
Despite the protests, the president is expected to meet the Queen and Prime Minister May before departing for Helsinki. White House aides have not confirmed whether Trump will play golf during his stay, but the newly refurbished Turnberry links may prove tempting.
