Continuing from one of the most heated NATO summits in recent times, The Donald has found himself again in the headlines of news agencies, this time due to his most recent visit in the UK. Trump arrived in the UK on the 12th and was welcomed with pre-planned protests against his arrival and ideologies – grabbing the attention of tabloids nationwide and globally. However, it derails the attention from the real state of affairs for which the Donald had recently visited the UK whilst painting the situation as black and white. This arises the questions of: what was the real purpose of Mr.Trump’s visit, and were these protests just another fit due to the growing “rage culture” of present?
The Purpose of the Visit
The Donald’s visit was to discuss the ramifications of Brexit, and to establish a trade deal with UK. This discussion would be held with Britain’s current Prime Minister Theresa May. However, this is where the controversy began to unfold. Mr. Trump had marked his arrival with a few very contentious comments on Britain, its Prime Minister and Boris Johnson. An interview was published whilst Mrs. May hosted a black tie dinner for the US President and the first lady. Mr.Trump had criticized the Prime Minister on her handling of Brexit, stating that a “soft” Brexit would “kill” the chances of a trade deal with the US. He had also stated that Mrs. May had not been delivering the Brexit that the citizens had voted for, and that he would have done things much differently. “I would have done it much differently” he said, referring to the white paper which was agreed at Chequers during the weekend. “If they do a deal like that, we will probably be dealing with the European Union instead of the UK, so it will kill the deal. He later added.”
That was not all the criticism Mr.Trump had for Mrs. May, he also later added that Mr. Johnson, UK’s parliament member who resigned due to disagreement on the Chequers, would make “a great prime minister.” Many believed this to be the ultimate humiliation for Mrs. May who was to have a press conference with The Donald in the following days. However, following the press conference Mr.Trump has made a few statements differing from the above mention, stating that “Washington and the UK will have a great trade deal” whilst adding that he has “the outmost respect for Prime Minister Theresa May” and that both nations have a “special relationship.” Mr. Trump also wasn’t late to mention that “A story was done that was generally fine but didn’t put in the tremendous things I say about the PM. We have recordings when we deal with reporters. It’s called fake news.”
The Meeting With the Queen
Mr. and Mrs. Trump met the Queen at Windsor castle this Friday where they discussed Brexit. In an interview with Piers Morgan, the President said that the Queen said the issue is a “very complex problem”. The President also wasn’t shy of expressing his liking of the Queen and the royal family, saying, “She is an incredible woman, she is so sharp, she is so beautiful, when I say beautiful - inside and out. I can tell you I liked her. I liked her a lot.” “I think the whole family have good energy.” Nevertheless, controversy also surrounds the President’s meeting with the royal family as many reports suggest that Prince Harry and Prince William ‘refused to meet’ during the President’s stay in UK, but no explicit comments have been made by either party regarding this.
The Protests
There have been numerous protests all across Europe during Mr. Trump’s stay, most notably in London where more than 200,000 people have protested against the President on Friday. A giant balloon also flew near the Parliament House’s vicinity during the march. The balloon depicts Mr.Trump as an angry, orange baby. There have also been protests in Helsinki and Edinburgh.
Some protestors were interviewed and this is what they had to say -
“You sent leaders that have lots of problems. They're bringing crimes against humanity.”
“I think Trump represents everything we try to teach our children is wrong.”
“Say it loud, say it clear, Donald Trump's not welcome here.”
Despite all of this, Mr. Trump told Piers Morgan in their interview that there were “many, many” protests and protestors in his support.
So What Now? After a week which was a political whirlwind, The Donald now sets out from the UK to meet with Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin to discuss the Russian’s alleged involvement in the 2016 US election. Only time will now tell what other theatre and controversies surround the Donald’s next trip.
Faiyaz Hossain Aryan
Global Affairs
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