As Donald Trump prepares for his visit to the United Kingdom on March 27, 2024, the response from London residents has been overwhelmingly negative. Many expressed their discontent, calling Trump “one of the worst human beings that’s ever been in politics,” as he gears up for meetings with King Charles III and Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Trump will be hosted at Windsor Castle before attending discussions at Chequers, the Prime Minister’s rural retreat. Starmer’s office emphasized that the visit is intended to showcase the strong ties between the U.K. and U.S., which have been built over 250 years and are based on shared values, including “the rule of law and open markets.”
Public sentiment in London reflects skepticism towards Trump’s leadership. Sophia Hallstorom, 28, voiced her concerns, stating, “It’s awful what he’s going to be here.” She described Trump as “a really dangerous man,” highlighting her fears that his rhetoric could lead to negative consequences, including retaliatory trade tariffs. “He talks a lot. He talks the talk, but doesn’t walk the walk,” she added.
Alex Cutler, another Londoner, expressed indifference towards Trump’s remarks about local leaders, including London Mayor Sadiq Khan. “Who takes Trump seriously? Criticize away,” he said, noting that the city has a tradition of humorously addressing such occasions. “We love comedy and we love taking a heat at ourselves,” he remarked, suggesting that Trump’s antics might at least provide some entertainment.
Others were more vocal in their criticism of Trump’s return. Steve Perren, a 67-year-old resident, remarked, “I think Trump is one of the worst human beings that’s ever been in politics.” He dismissed Trump’s opinion on Khan, asserting that Trump lacks the intelligence to evaluate the mayor’s performance properly.
Celia, an 82-year-old resident who preferred not to disclose her last name, expressed a conflicted perspective. Although acknowledging that the meeting could benefit trade relations, she admitted to feeling frustrated. “It’s just expedient. I’m sorry. It goes against the grain,” she stated, emphasizing the complicated nature of the relationship between the two nations.
Celia recently returned from visiting her son in North Carolina and noted that not a single person she met there had anything positive to say about Trump. She described the local populace’s support for Trump as unfounded, saying, “That’s based on absolutely no logic whatsoever.” According to her, there was a pervasive sense of hopelessness regarding the country’s direction under Trump’s leadership.
The discontent among Londoners underscores a wider sentiment towards Trump’s presidency and raises questions about the future of U.K.-U.S. relations as they prepare for crucial discussions. As the world watches, the impact of this visit on transatlantic ties remains to be seen.
