Trump snubbed as US President to be barred from Parliament on UK state visit

Former U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly not expected to address the British Parliament during his upcoming state visit to the United Kingdom — a notable departure from the treatment historically afforded to other world leaders.

Sources familiar with the planning say the visit, slated for mid to late September, will conveniently coincide with Parliament’s annual recess, providing the UK Government with a diplomatic pretext to sidestep potential political backlash.

While leaders like Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan, and most recently, French President Emmanuel Macron, have all delivered speeches before a joint session of MPs and peers, Trump’s exclusion marks a deliberate break from protocol.

🤐 Concerns Over Protests and Boycotts

Behind the scenes, British officials are said to be deeply wary of political fallout that could accompany a Trump address in Westminster. There are fears that MPs could stage walkouts or protests, creating a spectacle that Downing Street is eager to avoid.

One senior figure reportedly said that any invitation for Trump to speak in Parliament could provoke “a deeply embarrassing” incident.

By scheduling the visit during the recess beginning September 16, the Government avoids this problem altogether — no MPs, no speeches, no stage for protest.

🎩 A Muted Visit Compared to Macron’s Royal Treatment

Beyond Parliament, Trump’s UK itinerary is expected to be strikingly low-key, especially when compared with the lavish state welcome offered to President Macron earlier this year.

Macron was greeted with a ceremonial carriage ride alongside King Charles III, an overnight stay at Windsor Castle, and a formal banquet. Trump, in contrast, will not be hosted at Buckingham Palace, reportedly due to ongoing renovations — although security concerns and political optics are believed to be bigger factors.

The former U.S. president is expected to spend much of his short visit in Scotland, staying at his own resort, Trump Turnberry. A meeting with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is still being negotiated, but public events will be minimal.

🧨 A History of UK Backlash Against Trump

The decision to keep this visit discreet isn’t without precedent. Trump’s relationship with the UK public and Parliament has long been controversial.

During his 2016 presidential run, over 500,000 Britons signed a petition calling for Trump to be banned from entering the country — prompting an intense debate in Parliament where he was described by some lawmakers as a “racist demagogue” and “buffoon.”

In 2019, during Trump’s previous state visit, mass protests erupted across London, with the now-iconic “Trump baby” blimp flown over Parliament Square as a symbol of public dissent.

⚖️ Downing Street’s Delicate Balancing Act

According to reports, Downing Street is treading carefully, aiming to preserve diplomatic ties with the United States while managing domestic sensitivities and a deeply divided public reaction to Trump’s return to power.

Avoiding a parliamentary address and limiting ceremonial honors helps the UK Government sidestep questions about whether Trump is deserving of such treatment. With Parliament not in session, they won’t need to explain the omission.

White House officials are said to be aware of the subdued nature of the trip, though no public response has been issued.

🤔 Will Trump Accept the Cold Shoulder?

Trump is known for taking perceived slights personally, and some observers are wondering whether he’ll push back against the understated reception.

Will he hold a press conference to reassert his presence?

Will he criticize the UK Government or Parliament publicly?

Or will he quietly focus on his golf course and photo ops?

With rising tensions in U.S. and global politics, the UK appears to be choosing caution over controversy — but the political fallout from Trump's visit, muted or not, may still echo loudly across both sides of the Atlantic.