The press conference closing Donald Trump's two-day state visit to the United Kingdom on Thursday, September 18, was the only moment when the impeccable choreography orchestrated by the British authorities to please the US president might have gone awry. The previous day had gone flawlessly: Trump was received in grand style by the royal family at Windsor, treated to military bands and a memorable dinner. The "serious" part of the visit took place on Thursday at Chequers in Buckinghamshire, the splendid 16th-century manor that serves as the British prime minister's country retreat.
Gaza, Ukraine, Jeffrey Epstein and freedom of expression: There was no shortage of potentially contentious topics between the US president and Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and in recent days the media had speculated about the awkward questions that might be raised at Chequers. Yet, apart from one or two slightly uncomfortable moments, Trump did not take offense nor publicly humiliate the British leader in the sumptuous Great Hall, lined with old paintings, as they faced the press. Both leaders either avoided or sidestepped the most direct questions.
You have 70.15% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only.