After the pomp, it’s time for the politics.

During the press session, Trump was frequently questioned about Epstein as his administration faced mounting pressure to release official documents related to the criminal case of the now-disgraced financier, who authorities claim died by suicide in 2019.

Difficult discussions on Ukraine, Middle East

There are also potentially difficult conversations to be had over Ukraine and the Middle East.

Starmer has played a major part in European efforts to shore up US support for Ukraine.

Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with Russian President Vladimir Putin but has yet to follow through on threats to enact new penalties against Russia for avoiding peace discussions.

As he departed Washington for the UK on Tuesday, Trump seemed to place the responsibility on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, suggesting, “He’s going to have to make a deal.”

The recent Russian drone intrusion into NATO member Poland received strong criticism from European NATO allies, along with promises of additional aircraft and troops for the alliance’s eastern defense.

Trump played down the incident’s severity, musing that it ” could have been a mistake”.

In his state banquet speech, King Charles gave Trump a subtle reminder about the importance of the trans-Atlantic alliance. Charles remarked that “as tyranny once again threatens Europe, we and our allies stand together in support of Ukraine, to deter aggression and secure peace.”

Starmer takes a different stance from Trump regarding Israel’s conflict in Gaza, and has announced that the UK will officially recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations later this month.

Trump has threatened to penalise Canada during trade negotiations for making a similar move.