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Unlike Presidents of the past, Donald Trump’s visit to the UK will likely be met with protests since he has a contentious relationship with Brits, reports the BBC.
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Thousands of police officers have already been mobilized across the city ahead of Trump’s visit when he arrives on Thursday and heads to Windsor and Scotland during the two-day trip. He was supposed to head to London too, but has reportedly nixed that visit.
Baby Trump
And since Trump is known for his baby-like Twitter tirades, he’s getting treated like a big one by the Brits who approved an over-sized baby blimp to be flown close to the UK Parliament during Trump’s visit.
That’s pretty embarrassing considering that most US presidents of the past have been well regarded around the world and benefitted from having a good rapport with the Royal Family and enjoyed diplomatic international relationships.
Many would say that Trump has change the game for the worse.
For one, the ‘Trump Baby” balloon is an unbelievable sight to see. The mayor of London Sadiq Khan approved the 19-feet balloon of a very orange-colored, very round baby Trump with a diaper on, mouth open wide (to rant) and a cell phone in his hand to tweet. He doesn’t much like Trump ever since he went after the mayor after the terror attacks in London that killed seven and injured 48.
Presidential Love
In contrast, in 1977 the then mayor of London gave President Jimmy Carter freedom of the city.
Carter was well-like and well received by the British too. When he stepped up to the microphone to make his speech, he greeted an adoring crowd of 20,000 people by saying: “Howay the lads! I am grateful to be a Geordie now.”
The local newspaper, the Chronicle, reported: “They packed the airport. They packed the streets. They packed the area outside the Civic Centre and they opened their arms to him. And he loved it. A great smile spread across his face… as he was greeted by crowds waving both the Union Jack and the Stars and Stripes.”
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People are planning to pack the streets for Trump’s visit but they are packing it out in protest.
The British swooned over John F. Kennedy too.
More than half a million people lined the route between London airport and the west end in 1961 just to get a peek of JFK and first lady Jackie.
The Obamas
Michelle Obama has talked lovingly about her close ties to the Queen.
During an official state visit to London in 2011, the Obama family reportedly stayed over at Buckingham Palace. The Obamas have a warm relationship with the Queen and Prince Philip.
“Everybody is happy when all the people are gone. They want to be hugged. They want to be touched. They gossip,” she admitted.
Trump on the other hand will keep it moving during his working state visit. Trump’s UK visit will be a true test of how well he can handle international affairs.
We already think the damage is done, but we’ll see.