The sunny weather greeted the departure of Marine One from the grounds of Chequers, marking the end of Donald Trump’s second state visit. Throughout the day, the sky remained overcast, causing some concern among Downing Street aides about the possibility of canceling the Red Devils’ parachute display. Fortunately, the anticipated rain never materialized, allowing the outdoor press conference to proceed smoothly.
Upon my early arrival at Chequers, the historic country estate of the Prime Minister, I had the privilege of enjoying a tasty herby chicken sandwich provided by the hosts. Meanwhile, latecomers had to settle for a vegan salad featuring chickpeas and hummus. The first glimpse of Trump was from a distance as he, Melania, Keir, and Lady Starmer observed the Red Devils’ aerial display with the unfurling of national flags during the descent.
Subsequently, around 60 reporters from both the US and UK press were ushered into a grand chamber adorned with oil paintings. Members of Trump’s administration, known for their controversial reputation, caused a stir by applauding at the beginning and end of the event, a gesture uncommon among the UK press corps.
Despite some tense moments during the press conference, such as Trump’s denial of knowing Peter Mandelson and his extended discussion about Biden’s autopen, the overall proceedings, including the state visit, concluded without major incidents. Given recent events, the smooth outcome was unexpected, particularly in light of Keir Starmer’s recent challenges.