Split Views on Trump in the United Kingdom

With the visit of United States President Donald Trump in the United Kingdom for the 75th anniversary of D-Day, there were a few clashes among local politicians, along with some royal praises.

Before his arrival, President Trump slammed London Mayor Sadiq Khan in a series of tweets. President Trump and Mayor Khan have had a longstanding rivalry since Khan’s election. According to CBS, the start of this feud occurred when “Khan tweeted criticism of then-candidate Trump’s rhetoric, saying that his ‘ignorant view of Islam could make both our countries less safe. It risks alienating mainstream Muslims.'” In his latest tweets, Trump called Khan a “stone cold loser,” saying he “has done a terrible job as Mayor of London, has been foolishly ‘nasty’ to the visiting President of the United States, by far the most important ally of the United Kingdom”

On the other hand, President Trump’s experience with the Queen was much more civil and friendly. In a speech at a state banquet in Buckingham Palace, the Queen made it a point to show a connection between the United Kingdom and the United States, saying,  “Of course it is not only our security which unites us, but our strong cultural links and shared heritage.” She later made a connection to even Trump: “And with your own Scottish ancestry, Mr. President, you, too, have a particular connection to this country.”

This is quite the diplomatic move, a very commendable thing to do in our currently heated political culture. Nonetheless, President Trump in the United Kingdom will most likely continue to have a sweet and sour mixture of reactions.