Thousands Gather in London to Protest Donald Trump’s Second UK State Visit

Published: 18 September ‘2025. The English Chronicle Desk

Thousands of demonstrators convened in central London on Wednesday to protest the arrival of US President Donald Trump for his second state visit to the United Kingdom. The rally, organized by the Stop Trump Coalition—a coalition of more than 50 unions, charities, and campaign groups—began in Portland Place and proceeded through Whitehall before concluding in Parliament Square. Organizers and participants voiced a wide array of grievances, including opposition to Trump’s policies on climate change, human rights, and international diplomacy.

The protest attracted significant attention, with the Metropolitan Police estimating attendance at approximately 5,000 people. In total, over 1,600 officers were deployed to monitor the demonstrations, including 500 personnel drawn from other forces. The police emphasized that they had been in close communication with the organizers to ensure that the protest remained peaceful and that disruption to the local community was minimized. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Louise Puddefoot noted that it would be “another busy day” for officers, following closely on the heels of other recent demonstrations such as the Unite the Kingdom protest.

Participants carried banners bearing slogans such as “No to Racism,” “No to Trump,” and “Stop Arming Israel.” Others brought replicas of the 20-foot Trump Baby blimp, which had become a symbol of public dissent during the president’s first state visit in 2019. The symbolic blimps floated above the crowd, drawing attention and media coverage while evoking the tone of earlier protests.

A spokesperson for the Stop Trump Coalition stated: “A government that will bow down to Trump and to racism is one that will open the door to fascism.” Organizers clarified that while Trump was not visiting Parliament, the demonstration aimed to oppose “the politics of Trumpism” and to advocate for “an alternative, democratic vision of the world based on peace, social justice, and international cooperation.” The coalition comprises a diverse group of campaigners, ranging from climate activists and anti-racism advocates to pro-Palestine organizations, reflecting widespread opposition to the president’s policies across different social and political spheres.

As crowds gathered near BBC Broadcasting House, attendees spoke candidly about their reasons for protesting. Many expressed strong personal opposition to Trump’s policies and rhetoric, describing him as “despicable” and asserting that his visit should not go unchallenged. Reverend Poppy Hughes, when asked about the role of religious figures in political protests, remarked: “Jesus preached peace and compassion, and that’s why I’m here. Standing for justice is not separate from faith.”

Political commentator Zoe Gardner, one of the rally’s organizers, stated: “Trump represents everything that we hate. We want our government to show some backbone, to reflect the widespread disgust at his politics and demonstrate that the UK is not complacent in the face of authoritarian tendencies abroad.”

Climate activism was also a significant focus at the protest. Auriel Dowty Glanville, a campaigner from Wimbledon, criticized Trump’s environmental record, describing him as a “climate denier” whose policies posed “the biggest threat facing us on Earth.” She labeled the invitation for a second state visit “appalling,” contending that it was primarily motivated by trade negotiations rather than diplomatic goodwill.

Several demonstrators employed humor and theatricality to make their point. Sarah Montgomery and Claudio Solano, from North London, donned white face masks with the phrase “Trump stinks,” which they had first worn during the president’s previous visit. “He still stinks,” said Montgomery, adding that everything Trump represented was antithetical to her values. Solano, a Brazilian national, criticized both Trump and his support for former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, describing the political alignment as “disgusting” and questioning why the UK government appeared “so cowardly” in extending the state visit invitation.

As the march progressed, demonstrators paused outside Downing Street, which was under heightened security provided by officers from Wales and Northern Ireland. Signs bearing slogans such as “Duck Off Donald” and “Feed Him to the Corgis” were prominently displayed, reflecting a blend of satire and political critique.

The procession culminated at Parliament Square, where several speakers addressed the crowd. Performances and speeches were part of the program, including a set by singer-songwriter Billy Bragg. Political figures joining the stage included former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, current Labour MP Zarah Sultana, comedian Nish Kumar, and Green Party leader Zack Polanski. The speakers highlighted various grievances with Trump’s domestic and international policies, linking his state visit to broader concerns about democracy, climate change, and social justice.

Simultaneously, a smaller contingent of protesters gathered in Windsor, where President Trump was scheduled to spend the day with members of the Royal Family ahead of a formal state banquet. Amy Tisi, attending the Windsor demonstration, described it as “important to make a stand,” emphasizing continuity with protests staged during the president’s first visit. Tisi questioned whether the scale of the trip was intended to “fuel his ego,” reflecting a sentiment shared by several attendees.

Tensions were briefly heightened earlier in the day when a van adorned with photographs of Trump and the late convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein was driven through Berkshire. Thames Valley Police confirmed that the vehicle left the area after officers spoke with the driver, and no arrests or seizures occurred. Jeremy Corbyn referred to this incident during his speech in London, describing it as “sinister” that authorities had intervened to prevent public expression of opinion. “They take away the right to protest because they don’t want us to protest,” he said, underscoring concerns about the restriction of civic dissent.

The state visit itself has been contentious from the outset. Four men were arrested after images of Trump and Epstein were projected onto Windsor Castle on Tuesday evening as the president arrived in the UK, reflecting both the intensity of opposition and the high-security measures surrounding the visit. The protests in London and Windsor demonstrated the broad coalition of activists, political figures, and concerned citizens united in opposition to what they perceive as a problematic and provocative visit.

Despite the scale of opposition, the demonstrations remained largely peaceful. Organizers and authorities worked together to maintain order, and the protest highlighted a persistent public discourse around the appropriateness of Trump’s engagement with the UK government. For many participants, the rally was an opportunity to voice concerns about global political trends, climate inaction, and human rights, while advocating for a society that prioritizes justice, equality, and accountability over personal or political expediency.

The events of 18 September represent a continuation of a tradition of civic protest in the UK, showcasing the capacity of citizens and organized coalitions to publicly challenge political leaders and influence the discourse surrounding international relations. As Trump’s second state visit proceeds, both supporters and opponents continue to navigate a highly polarized environment, reflecting broader tensions in contemporary global politics.