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The US president will touch down in the United Kingdom on Tuesday night following harsh condemnation from London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who stated Trump of fueling extremist movements around the world.

Pressure on Government Stance

In what is seen as a clear rebuke to leader Keir Starmer’s administration, Khan asserted that Trump’s military actions in US cities and targeting of minorities followed strategies straight out of an autocrat’s playbook.

Further complicating the political pressure ahead of the state visit, a proposed deal to remove import taxes on UK steel and aluminum reportedly fell through at the final hour.

Royal and Political Events

Throughout the visit, Trump is scheduled to meet with royalty at the historic castle, with plans including a guided visit, a air force demonstration, and a state meal. Talks with PM Starmer are scheduled for the following day at the official country residence.

Although scheduled rallies against Trump, the itinerary is structured in a way that could avoid the president from witnessing them. Still, the visit presents significant political risk for Starmer, especially during the scheduled shared media appearance.

Khan’s Critical Remarks

Via a opinion piece, Khan highlighted that while preserving positive links with the US is strategic, the UK should not refrain from questioning a leader who, according to him, has encouraged of polarizing far-right politics internationally.

“These actions is not just at odds with western values – they are typical of the authoritarian’s handbook.”

Khan, who previously had disagreements with Trump during his 2019 visit, also criticized the use of military force and removals without due process.

Appeal for Leadership

He asserted that the close ties between the UK and US should include honesty, even when it means voicing disagreement. He noted that the UK must stand against the divisive tactics and division.

Additionally, he blamed British politicians and the press for failing to condemn rising hostility and discrimination, which he said contributed to a large protest in London recently.

“These events that unfolded didn’t appear randomly. For too many years, our politicians and commentators have failed to criticize the growing wave of hostility in Britain.”

Khan went on, “Government figures, staying quiet is no longer enough. It is time to take a position and state: this is not our identity.”

Ministers’ Comments

Prime Minister Starmer faced criticism for what some called a delayed reaction to the weekend’s march, which involved a video message from billionaire Elon Musk, who reportedly warned that “conflict is imminent” and egged on the crowd to “fight back.”

But, in firm remarks during a government gathering, Starmer stated that the UK faced “a defining battle” against social strife.

According to a summary of his comments, Starmer told cabinet members that the assaults against law enforcement and a protest organized by a known offender were not only shocking but also unnerving to many people, notably Black and Asian individuals.

Differing Responses within Government

Early responses, Minister Peter Kyle suggested that he was not disturbed by the size of the demonstration or the messages expressed, arguing that it showed that liberty and public gathering were thriving in the UK.

But, a government representative subsequently clarified that although freedom of speech is a core value, citizens felt frightened by calls for aggression and toxic language.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting, speaking at an LGBT event, dismissed the claim that rising racism and homophobia could be justified as protected expression, describing it as “ridiculous.”

He added, voicing empathy for those who are skeptical about whether the administration is on their side, and stressing that the weekend’s demonstration did not represent the society people wish to live in.