President Donald Trump is set to arrive in Britain on Wednesday for an unprecedented second state visit — but instead of a moment of unity, he will step into a nation in political crisis and a royal family under intense public scrutiny.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who fought to secure the visit in hopes of projecting strength, is now battling plummeting approval ratings, internal party dissent, and mounting calls for a leadership challenge. The dismissal of his U.S. ambassador pick, Peter Mandelson, over past ties to Jeffrey Epstein and the resignation of Deputy PM Angela Rayner have deepened the turmoil.
Public anger has spilled into the streets, with over 100,000 joining a far-right march led by Tommy Robinson. Elon Musk phoned into the rally, calling for a “dissolution of Parliament,” sparking condemnation from Starmer’s government.
Trump’s arrival at Windsor Castle, where King Charles III will host a ceremonial welcome, comes as the royal family faces renewed controversy surrounding Prince Andrew and strained relations between Prince Harry and Prince William.
What was meant to be a show of stability now threatens to highlight Britain’s instability — both political and personal — as Trump lands on U.K. soil.
