Thousands Protest During State Visit
Thousands of protesters gathered in London and Windsor during United States President Donald Trump's state visit to the United Kingdom, which took place from September 16 to 18, 2025. The demonstrations were organized by groups including the Stop Trump Coalition, expressing opposition to the visit and the US President's policies.
In London, an estimated 5,000 protesters marched through the city, with the Metropolitan Police deploying over 1,600 officers to manage the event. Demonstrators carried banners and chanted slogans such as 'No to the racism, no to Trump,' 'No to Trump, no to fascism,' and 'Go away, Trump.' Smaller protests also occurred in Windsor, where dozens of individuals chanted 'Hey, hey, ho, ho, Donald Trump has got to go' and 'Donald Trump's not welcome here.'
Epstein Images Projected onto Windsor Castle
A notable act of protest occurred on September 16, 2025, shortly after President Trump's arrival, when images of Donald Trump and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein were projected onto the walls of Windsor Castle. The projections, timed to appear minutes after Trump touched down in the UK, also included a purported birthday letter from Trump to Epstein, an image of Melania Trump between Trump and Epstein, and pictures of Epstein's victims. The activist group Led by Donkeys claimed responsibility for the stunt.
In connection with the unauthorized projection, four individuals were arrested by Thames Valley Police on suspicion of malicious communications. Prior to the projection, a large banner featuring Trump and Epstein was unfurled on the Long Walk outside Windsor Castle on September 15.
Absence of 'Baby Trump' Blimp
Unlike previous visits, the iconic 'Baby Trump' blimp, a large inflatable caricature of the President, was notably absent from the 2025 protests. The blimp's creators stated that the political climate had changed, and the situation was 'not really a laughing matter anymore.' The original blimp, which flew during Trump's 2018 and 2019 visits, has since been donated to the Museum of London.
Official Reception Amidst Dissent
President Trump's state visit, his second to the UK and the first during his second presidency, included a formal welcome at Windsor Castle by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, as well as meetings with Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Despite the official engagements and royal pageantry, the widespread protests underscored significant public opposition to the visit across the United Kingdom.
5 Comments
Eugene Alta
It's clear many are passionate about their opposition, and that's their right. However, a state visit also serves important diplomatic functions regardless of who is in office.
BuggaBoom
Fantastic to see the UK standing up against Trump! We don't want him here.
Loubianka
Who cares about a few thousand? The official visit was a success.
Raphael
The Windsor Castle projection was brilliant and necessary. Exposing the truth!
Donatello
While freedom of speech is vital, projecting images on a historic landmark like Windsor Castle does seem disrespectful to the institution itself, even if the message is powerful.