We asked people in London exactly what they thought of a second Trump state visit

Yahoo

07-03-2025

As the early spring sun beats down on Buckingham Palace a week after Donald Trump received a second state visit invite, 75-year-old Londoner Geoff feels far from sunny about the prospect of seeing the 'childish' US President in the capital again.
President Trump received an invitation from King Charles for an unprecedented second state visit during a meeting with Kier Starmer in Washington - but Geoff is one of many who told Yahoo UK they feel uneasy about Britain hosting the US leader again.
'There is absolutely no way Trump should come into this country for another state visit," he insisted. "It is terrifying that a man who behaves as he does and has his thoughts and principles should have so much power."
Geoff isn't alone, with politicians quickly voicing their opposition to the visit in the wake of Trump's showdown with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House and his subsequent decision to freeze US military aid to Ukraine.
A online petition launched soon after is already nearing 200,000 signatures - though national pollsters YouGove reported a survey earlier this week which suggested Britons are split on whether the state visit should go ahead.
Some of the Londoners Yahoo UK spoke to on 6 March, however, had made up their minds on the issue.
"His display with Zelensky was awful," Geoff added. "It seems to me it was a set up – staged in a way where they could treat him like that. But the childishness of it all. The way he was poking fun at what Zelensky was wearing? Zelensky was dressed in respect to his soldiers while Trump was in an awful suit with a scruffy haircut. The irony.'
On 7 March, Sadiq Khan predicted protests if Trump does return, telling Times Radio: "I'm sure you'll see in London, Londoners and those across the country using their right to free speech and the right to protest if and when President Trump does come to London." The Mayor of London had previously backed the state visit however, citing it as an opportunity for Starmer to 'engage' with the US President.
While many Britons think the visit should be cancelled, some acknowledge that it might be necessary in the interests of diplomacy.
Val, 68, from Amersham, Buckinghamshire, said: 'I don't want him here on another state visit but I think we need him. The reality is that he's probably the most important leader in the world. And the relationship between the UK and US is important. But that doesn't mean I like him. I was very shocked when he got elected.'
Ian, 76, from Oxford, said he was 'troubled' by Trump as a person but has no issues with him being invited to the UK as long as it isn't for 'bargaining'.
'I have no objection to a state visit but we shouldn't be using it as a bargaining tool," he said. "We shouldn't just be trying to placate him.
'It saddens me that our country feels it's important to pave the way for him to feel comfortable. He's such an unpleasant man. I'm troubled by the way he represents a loss of moral compass. Look at the way the rug is being pulled away from Ukraine. I just don't understand what Trump wants."
Lucy, 50, from London, said: 'A relationship between the UK and the US is extremely important but of course it all depends on who's in charge.
'The fact that Trump appears to be backing Putin is a huge concern. It used to be Russia and China back each other, and the US sticks with Europe.
'Now that seems to be heading elsewhere – especially after how he behaved with Zelensky. I can't believe we have to endure four years of this.'
It's not just Brits who have reservations about the prospect of a second state visit, with Americans visiting the UK expressing their own concerns.
Josh Butts, 42, from Denver, Colorado, told Yahoo UK outside Buckingham Palace: 'If I was the King, I would not invite him - because he's disrespectful to other state leaders. He doesn't deserve another visit.'
Visiting the capital with partner Sara Dashiell, Butts described Trump's recent clash with Zelensky as "absolute chaos", saying: "They needed to be talking to each other but instead they're just yelling. It was a complete disappointment.
'They needed to be working on the problem, which is keeping Putin at bay, and which is in the interests of the US, Europe, everyone.'
He also voiced conerns that Trump's behaviour will damage the relationship between the US and UK.
'[The relationship between the US and the UK] is incredibly important," he added. "There are huge economic benefits with trade and the UK and US have had a strong relationship since WW2.
'I can't fathom what reason you would ever have to try strain that relationship.'
Lachlan Cooke, 64, visiting London from Seattle in Washington State, slammed Trump - who he didn't vote for - for "destroying' the US.
He said: 'So far, he's violated all norms of a good government. He's intent on destroying our country. We're not happy with him. And anyone who voted for him I reckon has serious buyer's remorse.'
Despite that, he is in favour of a second state visit, saying it's 'better to talk'.
'I think it's better to talk to people than ignore them," he said. "Although [Trump] has got his hands full dealing with other stuff.
'And, the relationship between the UK and US is important - as he's gone to war with our other allies.
'Canada and Mexico are having a terrible time. It's all just silliness.'