Trump arrives in UK for second state visit

President Donald Trump has arrived in the United Kingdom for an unprecedented second state visit by an American president

(NBC)- President Donald Trump has arrived in the United Kingdom for an unprecedented second state visit by an American president, greeted with royal pageantry and heightened security.

King Charles hosted the official welcome at Windsor Castle, where Trump praised the monarch. “He’s been a friend of mine for a long time, and everybody respects him,” Trump said.

The visit was marked by full military honors and an extraordinary security presence on land, air, and water. Authorities confirmed a top-to-bottom review of all routes and residences connected to the trip. Marine Support Unit Sergeant Lyn Smith said officers are conducting “high visibility patrols, some searching, some specialist searching in and around the area.”

One sign of the increased precautions: the traditional open carriage ride with the First Lady and the royal family will be contained inside castle grounds, out of public view.

Policing expert Graham Wettone explained that the threat environment has demanded enhanced measures, including reviews of nearby premises and vantage points overlooking official routes.

Outside Windsor, protesters gathered with chants of “Out, out — dump Trump.” Some unfurled a giant photo of Trump alongside Jeffrey Epstein, as the scandal surrounding the late sex offender continues to ripple through the UK. The controversy recently led to the firing of Britain’s ambassador to the U.S.

Demonstrators also raised concerns about the wars in Gaza and Ukraine. During his trip, Trump again pressured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to end the war with Russia. “He’s going to have to get going and make a deal,” Trump told reporters.

Solidarity with Ukraine is expected to be a central topic in two days of high-level meetings between the U.S. and one of its closest allies.