Donald Trump is expected to keep his focus on the “splendour of Windsor Castle” instead of Sir Keir Starmer due to current political pressures. White House sources claimed that the US President understands that the Prime Minister is “on the ropes” due to intense scrutiny over his knowledge of former UK ambassador to the US Lord Mandelson’s friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.
One former US official told The Telegraph: “This trip will be about the splendour of Windsor Castle, inspecting the troops, the big banquet. This is a big deal for him. And the plan is to keep it about that.” The insider added that Mr Trump is aware of Sir Keir’s situation, and that he “was on the ropes”. The Prime Minister said he will not be resigning from his post as he is “absolutely clear what the task is in front of me”.
Sir Keir admitted he knew about emails between the paedophile financier Epstein and Lord Mandelson, due to a press approach, before he publicly defended him at Prime Minister’s Questions.
However, he seemingly deflected the blame to his advisers, claiming that “in retrospect, of course I think it would be better if the detailed allegations that have been made in relation to Peter had been put in front of me before PMQs”.
Another senior White House official revealed that, while the topical discussion point of freedom of speech was important, it would not necessarily be on the agenda.
“It is definitely an issue that we are thinking about. How that may or may not play into the bilateral discussion that will take place with the Prime Minister is yet unknown,” said.
The Trump administration has previously criticised the new British online safety laws, with Vice President JD Vance saying on several occasions that free speech is under attack in the UK.
Mr Trump is due to touch down in the UK on Tuesday for a three-day state visit hosted by the King.
He will be hosted at Windsor Castle on Wednesday ahead of discussions with Sir Keir at Chequers on Thursday.
One of the US officials added that although the President had no plans to confront the Prime Minister over political differences, this could change quickly.
Mr Trump last visited the UK in July, where he condemned the British energy policy and the focal point of renewables during a press conference at his golf club.
