Protests and Projections: Britain Pushes Back Against Trump’s Visit

As President Donald Trump received a royal welcome at Windsor Castle, the British public offered a starkly different reception. While the monarchy staged a lavish ceremony, thousands of ordinary citizens across the UK voiced their disapproval through protests, artistic stunts, and media critiques.

Recent polls highlight the depth of this sentiment—over 60% of Britons say they dislike Trump, reflecting widespread unease with his politics and persona.

Creative Acts of Dissent

Even before Trump’s first official engagements, activists were making their feelings clear. The group Led By Donkeys projected footage linking Trump to Jeffrey Epstein onto Windsor Castle, cheekily captioning it, “Hey Donald, welcome to Windsor Castle.” The move, bold and controversial, led to four arrests—marking the first time the group’s projection protests had resulted in detentions.

Protests in the Capital

As Trump met royals behind palace walls, demonstrators filled London’s streets. Placards read “Dump Trump” and “Stop Trump,” while others lampooned world leaders aligned with him, portraying them as “war criminals” or “misogynists.” Protesters voiced concerns about Trump’s stance on global conflicts, climate change, and human rights.

Ben Jamal, director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, summed up the mood: Trump’s politics, he argued, represent “racism, division, and hatred” — the very opposite of the values demonstrators seek to uphold. London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, echoed these views, warning of the dangers of far-right populism in an op-ed for The Guardian.

Media Counterpoints

The pushback extended beyond the streets. Channel 4 scheduled a five-hour special titled Trump v The Truth, airing more than 100 alleged falsehoods spoken by Trump since taking office. The program, timed to coincide with his visit, aimed to remind viewers of the risks of a leader who “shows little regard for the truth,” according to Channel 4’s Ian Katz.

A Divided Welcome

Trump’s visit laid bare a divided Britain—lavish royal honors on one side, fierce public rejection on the other. While officials worked to shield him from dissent, the protests and broadcasts demonstrated that many Britons are unwilling to quietly accept his presence or his politics.