How the UK perfected the art of flattering President Trump

Pomp, pageantry away from demonstrators helped Britain seal AI, nuclear, tech deals

- Jonathan Eyal

It’s easy to dismiss US President Donald Trump’s visit to Britain as just a gigantic exercise in pomp and circumstance. No other visiting foreign leader in living memory was granted such a lavish British reception.

Yet behind the extravagant display of royal pageantry and flattery lurked an exact objective: Britain’s determination to protect its unique military and technological links with the United States.

And although nothing is ever certain when dealing with the current occupant of the White House, British officials believe that their tactic of forging a new and very personal relationship with Mr Trump has been successful.

Mr Trump was known to have a soft spot for Britain.

His mother — whose framed picture features prominently in the Oval Office - came from Scotland, so in strictly legal terms, he could ask for British citizenship. Some of his first foreign business ventures were in Britain, and he owns top golf courses in Scotland.

It was, therefore, not a surprise that soon after Mr Trump returned to power in January 2025, the British would try to capitalise on the President’s special interest in their country.

The strategy carried some risks. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer leads a centre-left government, not the sort Mr Trump likes.

The President’s “Make America Great Again” supporters have close ties with the far-right, anti-immigrant Reform Party in Britain, which is currently riding high in opinion polls but is seen as a mortal threat to the Starmer government.

Still, Mr Starmer decided to take the risk by doubling down on flattering Mr Trump.

During his first visit to the new Trump White House on Feb 27, 2025, Mr Starmer theatrically pulled out a hand-signed letter from King Charles III, his country’s monarch, inviting the President for a state visit.