United States President Donald Trump has moved to calm security concerns ahead of the state visit of King Charles III, declaring the British monarch will “be very safe” during his stay in Washington despite a recent gun-related security scare.
The four-day visit, which begins in Washington, comes just days after a gunman gained access to an event attended by Trump in the US capital, triggering urgent reviews between the White House and Buckingham Palace.
Speaking in an interview on CBS’ 60 Minutes, Trump sought to reassure both governments and the public, insisting the White House remains one of the most secure locations in the country.
“I think it’s great, he’ll be very safe… the White House grounds are really safe. This area of not very many acres is really safe,” he said.
He added that the monarch’s itinerary would include multiple stops during his stay, noting: “And he’ll be staying here, I believe he’s going to a couple of other locations because he’s here for a few days. He’s a great guy. They called him and they are so looking forward to being here. We spoke this morning.”
Despite the recent incident, British officials have confirmed that the King’s programme will go ahead largely unchanged. The visit is expected to feature ceremonial engagements in Washington, followed by events in New York—including a symbolic appearance at the 9/11 Memorial—and a stop in Virginia.
Diplomatically, the trip is being framed as an effort to stabilise relations between London and Washington at a delicate moment. Keir Starmer is reported to have spoken with Trump ahead of the visit, while UK ambassador Sir Christian Turner described the trip as an opportunity to “renewing and revitalising a unique friendship.”
He emphasised that the visit would highlight “shared history, shared sacrifice and common values,” adding that the partnership between the two nations helps make their citizens “safer, richer and happier.”
The King and Queen are expected to be welcomed at the White House by Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, followed by a series of high-profile engagements, including a state dinner and a key address to the US Congress.
However, the visit has not been without controversy. Critics in the UK have raised concerns about the optics of the trip, particularly given ongoing political disagreements between the two countries, including tensions over foreign policy and trade.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has called for the visit to be scrapped, branding Trump “unreliable,” while others have warned of the unpredictable nature of the US president. Labour MP Emily Thornberry described the diplomatic moment as “a really high-wire act,” cautioning that “the president is so unpredictable, you just don’t know what he’s going to say.”
Still, allies of the visit argue that engagement remains essential. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage dismissed fears of embarrassment, insisting Trump holds “an extraordinary respect” for the monarchy.
For Trump, the visit also presents a moment of global visibility, offering a high-profile platform alongside the British royal family. He has openly praised King Charles, calling him “really a fantastic person and a tremendous representative.”
As British and American flags line the streets around the White House, the visit is set to blend ceremony with strategy—an attempt to project unity even as underlying tensions persist.
