Thousands gathered in London’s Parliament Square on Wednesday to protest US President Donald Trump’s second state visit to the UK. The rally drew a mix of campaigners, trade union members, and concerned citizens.
Organisers from the Stop Trump Coalition, a network of more than 50 unions, charities, and activist groups, led a march from Portland Place toward Whitehall at around 3 pm BST. Protesters carried signs with messages such as “No to racism,” “Stop arming Israel,” and “No to Trump.”
Some participants brought small versions of the 20-foot Trump Baby blimp, which first appeared during demonstrations against Trump in 2019. The Metropolitan Police estimated that up to 5,000 people were in attendance. More than 1,600 officers, including 500 from other forces, were deployed to manage the crowds.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Louise Puddefoot said officers expected a “busy day” and had been coordinating closely with organisers. She urged participants to respect local residents and minimize disruption in the area.
The coalition represents a wide range of causes, including climate activism, anti-racism, and pro-Palestine groups. A spokesperson warned that a government that submits to Trump and racism risks opening the door to dangerous politics.
Although Trump did not plan to visit Parliament, demonstrators said their aim was to challenge the politics of Trumpism. They called for an alternative vision of the world focused on peace, social justice, and international cooperation.
Crowds began gathering near BBC Broadcasting House, where participants shared their reasons for protesting. Many described Trump as “despicable” and wanted to send a clear message that he was not welcome in the UK.
Reverend Poppy Hughes explained why she attended despite criticism that clergy should remain neutral in politics. She said she was motivated by the teachings of Jesus, which focus on peace and compassion.
Political commentator Zoe Gardner, one of the protest organisers, said Trump represented everything the group opposed. She added that the UK government should show pride and reflect public disgust at his policies.
Climate campaigner Auriel Dowty Glanville, from Wimbledon, said she protested because Trump denies climate change, which she called the biggest threat facing the planet. She criticised the second state visit as primarily about trade deals.
Other protesters used humour to make their point. Sarah Montgomery and Claudio Solano, from North London, wore white masks with the words “Trump stinks.” They had kept the masks since Trump’s first state visit.
Solano, who is from Brazil, said he opposed both Trump’s policies and his support for former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro. He added that he found it shocking that Britain welcomed Trump despite widespread opposition.
The march paused outside Downing Street, which was heavily guarded by officers from Wales and Northern Ireland. Demonstrators carried playful signs like “Duck Off Donald” and “Feed him to the Corgis.”
At Parliament Square, the rally included speeches and performances. Singer Billy Bragg performed, while former Labour MPs Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana, comedian Nish Kumar, and Green Party leader Zack Polanski addressed the crowd.
Smaller protests were also held in Windsor, where Trump met the Royal Family before a state banquet. Amy Tisi, who attended the 2019 protests, said she felt it was important to take a stand again. She questioned whether the pomp of the visit was meant to inflate the president’s ego.
Not all attendees opposed Trump. One supporter wearing a Davy Crockett hat called him “the greatest president,” but his statement was met with boos from parts of the crowd.
Earlier, a van featuring photos of Trump and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein drove through Berkshire. Thames Valley Police said the driver left after a conversation with officers. No arrests were made, and no vehicles were seized.
Corbyn referenced this incident during his speech, describing it as “sinister” that police stopped people from expressing their views. He argued that authorities were limiting the public’s right to protest.
Four men were arrested on Tuesday after projecting images of Trump and Epstein onto Windsor Castle as the president arrived in the UK. The arrests added to the tension surrounding the visit and the protests.
The demonstrations highlighted widespread anger toward Trump’s policies and the UK government’s decision to host him. For many, the protests were a way to make their voices heard and promote a vision of global cooperation, justice, and peace.
