Trump Accepts State Visit Invitation from King Charles as US-UK Relations Take Center Stage

[Social Media]

 

President Donald Trump has accepted an invitation from King Charles II for a state visit to the United Kingdom, a gesture that underscores the ongoing efforts to maintain the "special relationship" between the two nations. The invitation was delivered personally by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer during his visit to the White House, where he engaged in discussions with Trump on Ukraine, trade, and military cooperation.  

 

Upon receiving the letter, Trump expressed admiration for King Charles, calling him “a beautiful man and a wonderful man.” The invitation signals a diplomatic move by Starmer, who is working to strengthen ties with the US president.  

 

During their meeting, Trump and Starmer also discussed aid to Ukraine, an issue that led to a brief but notable exchange. Trump suggested that European nations financially benefit from their contributions to Ukraine, stating, “You know, they get their money back by giving money. We don’t get the money back.” Starmer quickly corrected him, saying, “We’re not getting all of ours. I mean, quite a bit of ours was gifted. It was given. There were some loans, but mainly it was gifted, actually.” The moment mirrored a previous encounter between Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron, who also challenged Trump’s statements on European aid to Ukraine.  

 

When asked whether the US would step in to assist the UK if it faced an attack while supporting Ukraine, Trump responded that Britain “doesn’t need much help.” He elaborated, “You know, I’ve always found about the British they don’t need much help. They can take care of themselves very well. It sounds like it’s evasive, but it’s not evasive. You know, the British have been incredible soldiers, incredible military, and they can take care of themselves.” Starmer emphasized the importance of the historic US-UK alliance and urged the US to serve as a “backstop” to support a ceasefire in Ukraine.  

 

Another key topic of discussion was the Chagos Islands, a British-controlled territory in the Indian Ocean where the US operates a military base on Diego Garcia. The UK is currently in negotiations with Mauritius to return sovereignty of the islands but has assured that the US lease on Diego Garcia will remain in place. Trump indicated he was open to the plan, saying, “We’re going to have some discussions about that very soon, and I have a feeling it’s going to work out well. They’re talking about a very long-term, powerful lease, a very strong lease about 140 years actually. That’s a long time.”  

 

Trade also surfaced in the conversation, with Trump reiterating his focus on tariffs, particularly against countries running trade surpluses with the US. Starmer was quick to point out that UK trade with the US is "fair and balanced," adding, “In fact, you’ve got a bit of a surplus.” However, data discrepancies between the UK’s Office for National Statistics and the US Bureau of Economic Analysis present conflicting figures, with the UK reporting a £71 billion trade surplus with the US in 2023, while US statistics indicate a $14.5 billion (£12 billion) surplus in favor of the US. Differences in how each country measures trade—particularly in financial services—explain some of the inconsistency, though the exact cause remains uncertain.  

 

Given Trump's tendency to impose tariffs on countries with trade surpluses against the US, the UK may hope he continues to view the numbers in Washington’s favor to avoid potential trade tensions. As Trump prepares for his upcoming state visit to the UK, the evolving dynamics between the two allies remain a key focus in international diplomacy.

 

'In a moment of real danger around the world, this relationship matters more than ever. We’re determined to work together to deliver a good deal.’

Sir Keir Starmer speaks at a news conference following his Ukraine talks with Trump at the White House.
 

'In a moment of real danger around the world, this relationship matters more than ever. We’re determined to work together to deliver a good deal.’

Sir Keir Starmer speaks at a news conference following his Ukraine talks with Trump at the White House.https://t.co/8TCJKR7nFu pic.twitter.com/vD7goEmU8e

— Sky News (@SkyNews) February 27, 2025

 

 

Based on a report by CNN  2025-02-28

 

 

[JonnyF]

Have a great trip Mr Trump.

 

If you can avoid Starmer, Khan, Lammy etc. you will have a great time. Don't forget to have a couple of pints with Nigel. 

 

The British people think you're magnificent.  

 

Now, time for a coffee.

 

 

 

[CallumWK]

6 hours ago, Social Media said:

Trump suggested that European nations financially benefit from their contributions to Ukraine, stating, “You know, they get their money back by giving money. We don’t get the money back.” Starmer quickly corrected him, saying, “We’re not getting all of ours. I mean, quite a bit of ours was gifted. It was given. There were some loans, but mainly it was gifted, actually.” The moment mirrored a previous encounter between Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron, who also challenged Trump’s statements on European aid to Ukraine.  

 

Another great example about Trump actually talking out of his rectum.

[JonnyF]

41 minutes ago, CallumWK said:

 

Another great example about Trump actually talking out of his rectum.

 

Starmer should keep his stupid mouth shut and speak when spoken to. Him and his clowns have spoken enough rubbish about Trump.

 

The fact he's so welcoming now just shows his cowardice and hypocrisy. 

 

 

 

[CallumWK]

2 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

Starmer should keep his stupid mouth shut and speak when spoken to. Him and his clowns have spoken enough rubbish about Trump.

 

The fact he's so welcoming now just shows his cowardice and hypocrisy. 

 

 

 

 

I wasn't commenting on Starmer, but the BS Trump has been spouting.

No need to deflect

[Nick Carter icp]

Have Sein Fein announced that they won't be going yet ? 

[JonnyF]

8 minutes ago, CallumWK said:

 

I wasn't commenting on Starmer, but the BS Trump has been spouting.

No need to deflect

 

You were talking about an interaction between Trump and Starmer. 

 

Starmer is getting owned not only by Trump but also by Vance. 

 

https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/jd-vance-directly-calls-out-keir-starmer-for-infringing-on-free-speech-in-uk-watch-101740706677494.html

 

It's great to see Starmer's attack on freedom of speech called out by these two. I hope they give it to him behind closed doors. 

[Tug]

34 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

You were talking about an interaction between Trump and Starmer. 

 

Starmer is getting owned not only by Trump but also by Vance. 

 

https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/jd-vance-directly-calls-out-keir-starmer-for-infringing-on-free-speech-in-uk-watch-101740706677494.html

 

It's great to see Starmer's attack on freedom of speech called out by these two. I hope they give it to him behind closed doors. 

Trump is dummer than a bag of hammers real leaders are calling him out on his lies as the well should.

[JonnyF]

26 minutes ago, Tug said:

Trump is dummer than a bag of hammers real leaders are calling him out on his lies as the well should.

 

Trump is just setting him up.

 

He got Starmer to admit he is simply giving the money away. A quick look on X this morning will tell you what the British people think about that.

 

Great move by Trump. He gave Starmer just enough rope to hang himself and he took the bait like the clown that he is. 

[RuamRudy]

6 hours ago, JonnyF said:

The British people think you're magnificent.  

 

 

You missed out the words 'A minority of' at the start of your sentence.

 

6 in 10 Britons hold unfavourable opinion of Donald Trump and Elon Musk

https://www.ipsos.com/en-uk/6-10-britons-hold-unfavourable-opinion-donald-trump-and-elon-musk

[JAG]

4 hours ago, JonnyF said:

 

Starmer should keep his stupid mouth shut and speak when spoken to. Him and his clowns have spoken enough rubbish about Trump.

 

The fact he's so welcoming now just shows his cowardice and hypocrisy. 

 

 

 

I have little time for David Cameron, but didn't he say something very prescient about Twitter: "too many tweets make you a twit" or something along those lines?

[JAG]

I feel sorry for His Majesty, it's not all beer and skittles at the top is it!

[simple1]

7 minutes ago, JAG said:

I feel sorry for His Majesty, it's not all beer and skittles at the top is it!

 

Just the usual diplomatic stuff, apparently trump claims he likes the Royal Family and flattery.

[Liverpool Lou]

4 hours ago, Tug said:

Trump is dummer than a bag of hammers 

You're referring to someone as "dummer than a bag of hammers"?   How ironic.

[rough diamond]

1 hour ago, JAG said:

I have little time for David Cameron, but didn't he say something very prescient about Twitter: "too many tweets make you a twit" or something along those lines?

 When Absolute Radio host Christian O'Connell asked him about his views on Twitter, the Tory leader said: "The trouble with Twitter, the instantness of it – too many twits might make a <deleted> (it said "tw@t)."

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2009/jul/29/david-cameron-apology-radio-twitter

[rough diamond]

2 hours ago, simple1 said:

 

Just the usual diplomatic stuff, apparently trump claims he likes the Royal Family and flattery.

He thrives only on flattery!

Cross or abuse him and you are out seems to be his normal modus operandi.

[brewsterbudgen]

Awkward to watch and all rather unpleasant, but against expectations our PM played a blinder.  Hopefully Zelensky will be as successful.