Majority of Britons disapprove of Donald Trump during state visit

In the UK, growing discontent marked Donald Trump's recent state visit. As he was welcomed by the royal family at Windsor Castle, the British populace had a distinctly different reaction. Demonstrations kicked off in London shortly after Trump landed at Stansted Airport, with various anti-Trump protests organized to express public dissent against his policies and character. Notably, polling data from Ipsos indicated that 61% of Britons expressed disapproval of the US leader, reflecting a widespread sentiment among the British public. Activist group Led By Donkeys projected controversial footage onto Windsor Castle, further emphasizing public dissatisfaction. Four protesters were arrested following this display. Demonstrations occurred primarily in London while Trump dined with members of the British royal family. Critics were frustrated by local authorities' efforts to keep Trump's events shielded from public criticism, maintaining heavy security measures around the venues. Protesters wielded a multitude of signs containing messages that denounced Trump’s leadership and aligned with various political topics he has engaged with, including the conflict in Ukraine and the situation in Gaza. Notable figures were depicted in costume to symbolize the controversial nature of Trump's foreign alliances, further characterizing the atmosphere of dissent. As Trump attended formal events, public anger spilled into the streets, showcasing divisions in political beliefs among the British populace. Activists spoke about the detrimental impact of Trump's rhetoric and policies in relation to issues of racism, division, and environmental neglect. London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan publicly condemned Trump, aligning himself with protestors by characterizing the President's politics as divisive and intolerant. In conjunction with the protests, Channel 4 television aired a critical program labeled "Trump v The Truth," aiming to unveil a series of alleged falsehoods made by the President. The screening was designed to draw attention to the implications of public figures disseminating misinformation. This juxtaposition of royal ceremony and public unrest served as a stark representation of the polarized views surrounding Trump's presidency in the UK, illustrating a country grappling with its own stance on global leadership and domestic policies.