What does Donald Trump want from his UK state visit?

27 snips

Sep 17, 2025

As Donald Trump arrives for his second state visit to the UK, expect discussions on trade tensions and divisive topics like Gaza and Ukraine. The hosts delve into potential flashpoints, including the Jeffrey Epstein saga and political dynamics surrounding UK PM Keir Starmer. They also address the chilling effects on free speech in the wake of Charlie Kirk's assassination, with implications for Trump’s supporters and the MAGA movement. The contrast between the pomp of Windsor and the chaos back home paints a vivid picture of Trump's diplomatic challenges.

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INSIGHT

Ceremony Over Policy

The state visit is being staged with amplified royal grandeur to impress Donald Trump.
Much of the trip is ceremonial, focused on Windsor Castle and personal honour rather than detailed policy wins.

INSIGHT

No Tariff Concession

Trade talks were limited and Britain will not get tariff relief on steel and aluminium.
The UK keeps a 25% tariff under the US deal, better than the 50% applied to other countries but not the change Trump hinted at.

ANECDOTE

Epstein Images Projected At Windsor

Protest imagery and viral archives of Trump's past associations with Jeffrey Epstein followed him to Windsor.
Social media projected images onto Windsor Castle and at least four people were arrested over the stunt.

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As King Charles welcomes Donald Trump to Windsor, England for the US president’s second state visit to the UK, what should we be expecting from the trip? Sarah joins Justin and Marianna from Windsor to unpack how divisions over Gaza, Ukraine and tariffs might be dealt with, and what would constitute a successful trip for both countries. The team also discuss potential flash points for both the UK PM Keir Starmer and Donald Trump, particularly over the sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the sacking of the UK’s ambassador Peter Mandelson.

Also, in the aftermath of the assassination of conservative influencer, Charlie Kirk, the Americast team discuss whether the Trump administration is clamping down on America’s first amendment protection of free speech. The US attorney general Pam Bondi has told Americans they will “go after you, if you are targeting anyone with hate speech” and the US Vice President JD Vance has suggested targeting people critical of Charlie Kirk by reporting them to employers. How might this stance be viewed by Donald Trump’s MAGA base who fiercely believe in free speech?

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Correspondent

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This episode was made by George Dabby and Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Michael Regaard. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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