LONDON — The sound of drums, chants, and whistles echoed through London on Wednesday as thousands of demonstrators poured into the streets to protest the second state visit by U.S. President Donald Trump.
From Parliament Square, crowds carried banners reading “No to Trump, No to Hate” and “Release the Epstein Files.” Organizers Stop Trump Coalition said protests were also planned in other parts of the country, signaling widespread discontent over the King Charle’s decision to host Trump once again.
Other protesters carried 20ft Trump Baby blimps that were used during Trump’s first visit during his first term.
The Metropolitan Police has estimated that up to 5,000 people were in attendance.
Donald Trump represents everything we don’t want to see normalized — division, intolerance, and disrespect for our allies,” said Amelia Clarke, 34, from East London. “The UK deserves better than to roll out the red carpet for him.”
The Stop Trump Coalition includes groups from climate campaigners to anti-racism groups and pro-Palestine organizations.
Rachel Morgan, 41, from Manchester, carried a homemade sign that read “Silence = Complicity.
“I came down because silence isn’t an option,” she said. “If we don’t show up, it looks like Britain is fine with his brand of politics. And we’re not.”
The demonstrations come amid heightened tensions over Britain’s relationship with the United States. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to meet Trump on Thursday, citing the importance of the “special relationship” between the two countries but critics argue that hosting Trump undermines the UK’s commitment to human rights.
As night fell, chants of “Trump not welcome” and “Donald Trump has got to go” could be heard near Windsor Castle, projecting an image of Trump and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on the side of the castle.
“This isn’t just a London issue,” Clarke said. “This is Britain telling the world: we reject the politics of division.”
