Donald Trump's second state visit to the UK arrives at an awkward moment, overshadowed by the sacking of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. The crisis threatens to distract from the fanfare of the two-day trip, which includes a ceremonial welcome at Windsor Castle and a state banquet.
For Trump, the Epstein connection is particularly unwelcome; his own friendship with Epstein has drawn scrutiny. Both sides are expected to downplay Mandelson's departure, focusing instead on the pomp and investment deals, including a US-UK technology partnership and civil nuclear agreement.
The visit features a guard of honour hosted by King Charles, Queen Camilla, and the Prince and Princess of Wales, a Red Arrows flypast, and a business reception at Chequers. Trump will address a state banquet with tech bosses and cabinet ministers before a press conference with Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
However, the government faces a gaping hole in its foreign policy armoury: the UK has no US ambassador, with deputy James Roscoe stepping in. British officials fear Trump may opine on Mandelson's successor. Frontrunners include former cabinet secretary Mark Sedwill, outgoing MI6 head Richard Moore, and national security adviser Jonathan Powell, though Trump's team has reportedly expressed a desire for former ambassador Karen Pierce.
Another potential pitfall is the killing of rightwing activist Charlie Kirk, a Trump ally, which could prompt the president to criticise the UK over free speech issues. British officials are optimistic this will not happen, given Trump's fondness for the royal family and the UK.
