Trump Accepts King Charles’ State Visit Invitation via UK’s Starmer/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ British Prime Minister Keir Starmer extended an invitation from King Charles for President Donald Trump to make a state visit, which Trump accepted on Thursday. This marks Trump’s second state visit to the UK, an unprecedented event. Starmer’s White House visit also focused on Ukraine peace talks, defense commitments, and US-UK technological collaboration. Trump has insisted Europe take the lead on security guarantees for Ukraine, while his administration explores reopening economic ties with Russia. Starmer pledged to increase UK military spending, aligning with Trump’s push for greater European defense contributions.
Trump’s UK State Visit Quick Looks
- British PM Keir Starmer invites President Trump to a state visit on behalf of King Charles.
- Trump accepts, marking his second state visit to the UK, an unprecedented event.
- Starmer visits the White House, urging Ukraine’s presence in peace talks with Russia.
- Trump aims for an end to the war, saying Europe should lead on security guarantees.
- US-UK tech collaboration and AI policy to be a key discussion point.
- Starmer commits to raising UK military spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027.
Deep Look: Trump Accepts King Charles’ State Visit Invitation from UK’s Keir Starmer
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer extended an official state visit invitation to President Donald Trump on behalf of King Charles, and Trump accepted, the White House confirmed Thursday. The upcoming visit will mark Trump’s second state visit to the UK, an unprecedented diplomatic occurrence that Starmer called “historic”.
The announcement came as Starmer met with Trump at the White House, where the two leaders discussed Ukraine, economic cooperation, and technological collaboration. Starmer’s visit comes at a critical time, as European allies express concern over Trump’s direct negotiations with Russia, which excluded Ukraine and other European nations.
Trump, Starmer, and the Ukraine Peace Talks
Starmer’s visit follows a recent push from European leaders—including French President Emmanuel Macron—to convince Trump that Ukraine must be included in any diplomatic resolution with Russia. The UK and France have offered to send peacekeeping troops to Ukraine if a truce is reached, but concerns remain over Europe’s ability to organize and sustain such a mission.
“We’re going to do the best we can to make the best deal we can for both sides,” Trump said Wednesday during a Cabinet meeting, adding, “For Ukraine, we’re going to try very hard to make a good deal so that they can get as much land back as possible.”
However, Trump has pushed back against the idea of the US offering security guarantees, insisting that Europe must take the lead.
“I’m not going to make security guarantees … very much,” Trump remarked. “We’re going to have Europe do that.”
Meanwhile, Trump is set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday, where they are expected to finalize a controversial deal granting US access to Ukraine’s critical minerals, used in defense, aerospace, and nuclear technology.
Trump’s Diplomatic Shift: US-Russia Relations in Focus
Trump’s efforts to rebuild relations with Russia have been met with skepticism from European allies, particularly after his administration refused to sign a UN resolution blaming Russia for the war. His administration insists that Trump is acting as a diplomat, not conceding to Moscow.
“He hasn’t conceded anything to anyone,” Vice President JD Vance stated. “He’s doing the job of a diplomat.”
Trump is also reportedly exploring ways to reopen economic ties with Russia, which have been strained due to three years of US-led sanctions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“I think there’ll be plenty of economic cooperation opportunities between the two countries,” said Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff during a Fox News interview Thursday.
UK Military Spending and European Security Commitments
Starmer’s trip also emphasized Britain’s commitment to strengthening its military capabilities. His government has pledged to increase defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with an aim to reach 3% by 2035. This move aligns with Trump’s long-standing criticism of European nations for not contributing enough to defense.
“The world is becoming ever more dangerous, and it is more important than ever that we are united with our allies,” Starmer said ahead of his visit.
Beyond military concerns, the US and UK are also set to deepen collaboration in technology, AI, and space exploration. Starmer’s government has positioned Britain as a tech-friendly alternative to the EU’s high-regulation AI policies, aiming to attract American investment.
Starmer and Trump are expected to discuss:
- AI and quantum computing partnerships between US and UK tech sectors.
- Shared initiatives in space exploration.
- Reducing regulatory barriers to enhance technological collaboration.
“We share people, we share cultures, we share a lot of intelligence, we share technologies, and … we also share some of the fighting of our adversaries as well,” said Peter Mandelson, UK ambassador to the US.
What’s Next? Trump’s Second UK State Visit
Starmer will host an international summit in London on Sunday, focused on Ukraine’s future and Europe’s security role. Zelenskyy and other European leaders are expected to attend, as discussions on a potential peacekeeping mission and economic recovery for Ukraine continue.
Meanwhile, Trump’s upcoming state visit to the UK will be closely watched, as King Charles prepares to welcome the US president for the second time. While details are still being finalized, the visit is expected to include formal ceremonies, diplomatic meetings, and high-level trade discussions.
As Europe and the US navigate shifting foreign policy priorities, Trump’s engagement with Starmer, King Charles, and European leaders will set the tone for transatlantic relations in the months ahead.
