Is Trump’s state visit smart statecraft or a diplomatic disaster? Join The Independent Debate

Have your say: Downing Street has hailed the visit as a ‘historic opportunity’ to cement ties with Washington

The King and queen have already hosted President Donald Trump and his wife Melania on one state visit (Chris Jackson/PA (PA Wire)

Donald Trump is back in Britain – and the welcome could hardly be more lavish.

On Wednesday the US president is being received by King Charles III at Windsor Castle, before a day of pageantry featuring the largest guard of honour ever at a state visit, a joint US–UK flypast, carriage procession and state banquet.

The Prince and Princess of Wales will take prominent roles – and on Thursday Sir Keir Starmer will host Trump at Chequers for talks on trade, security and Ukraine.

Downing Street has hailed the occasion as a “historic opportunity” to strengthen ties with Washington.

Yet cracks have already appeared: a proposed deal to scrap US tariffs on British steel has been shelved, despite fresh UK commitments from tech firms like Google and new agreements on nuclear energy.

The spectacle comes against a backdrop of deep division. London mayor Sadiq Khan has branded Trump an “autocrat” in a Guardian op-ed, accusing him of fuelling far-right politics worldwide.

Security is tight after protesters projected images of Trump and Jeffrey Epstein onto Windsor Castle; the president will not take part in public engagements.

For critics, rolling out the red carpet for a convicted criminal diminishes Britain’s values and legitimises a leader who has weakened democratic norms and ignored the urgency of climate change. For supporters, pragmatism must prevail: Trump is president of the United States – an indispensable ally at a volatile moment for global security.

Our poll in July reflected that split: 76 per cent of readers opposed a state visit, while just 11 per cent welcomed it as good diplomacy. A further 8 per cent said the visit was acceptable, but the pomp was unnecessary.

So where do you stand? Is hosting Trump smart statecraft – or a diplomatic disaster waiting to happen?

Share your thoughts in the comments or vote in the poll below – we’ll feature the most compelling responses in the coming days.