Donald Trump says he will sue New York Times for $15bn for 'smears'

The president of the United States has claimed he will sue the New York Times over what he calls defamation and libel, for $15billion.

Donald Trump wants to take the newspaper for the huge sum - equivalent to around £11bn - claiming they have been allowed to "freely lie, smear, and defame me for far too long". Taking to his own social media platform Truth Social he made the extraordinary claim that it had become a "mouthpiece for the Radical Left Democrat Party".

He posted late last night to say: "Their Endorsement of Kamala Harris was actually put dead center [sic] on the front page of The New York Times, something heretofore UNHEARD OF!" He went on to accuse other media outlets and TV programmes of "smearing" him through "a highly sophisticated system of document and visual alteration".

Donald Trump says he will sue New York Times for $15bn for 'smears'

'Shameful' allowing 'toddler' Trump to 'use UK as a theme park', anti-Trump campaigner says

A member of the Stop Trump Coalition protest group has branded the visit "shameful" and "humiliating" for the UK as the president is being allowed to use the UK like a "theme park".

Zoe Gardner told ITV’s Good Morning Britain: “There is an enormous line between a relationship and diplomacy with the United States, and letting this toddler come here and use our country as a theme park and honouring him with a red carpet and a banquet with the King.

“There is miles between those two positions, and what we’re doing today is shameful and humiliating for the UK.”

Donald Trump to escape mass UK state visit protests with Keir Starmer meeting

Keir Starmer will welcome Donald Trump with a reception at his Chequers countryside residence - far away for mass protests planned.

It comes as the US President prepares to jet to Britain this week for an unprecedented second state visit and a private lunch with Mr Starmer. Mr Trump will be treated to a display of the British Army's Red Devils, who are set to fly into Chequers to keep the erratic President entertained.

He will also be shown special artifacts from Winston Churchill’s life, which No10 said show the wartime PM's "close personal affinity" with America. No10 said the leaders will dine on the "British favourite Dover Sole, served with peas and potatoes for the main and the American classic key lime pie for dessert".

Theresa May's former chief-of-staff told The Mirror the PM should avoid exposing Mr Trump to “big protests” during his state visit. Gavin Barwell, who worked in No10 during the previous state visit of the US President, backed the right to protest, but said ministers should organise events "further away”.

Donald Trump to escape mass UK state visit protests with Keir Starmer meeting

Donald Trump to escape mass UK state visit protests with Keir Starmer meeting

Sir Sadiq Khan jabs at Twitter foe Trump ahead of visit

Sir Sadiq Khan - who has exchanged barbs with President Trump online - has fired a number of shots at the US leader ahead of his second state visit.

The Mayor of London lashed out at the "prominent figures" he believes are "deliberately talking down our country".

He drew attention to a "record number" of US nationals now applying to become UK citizens. There has been a 50% surge of British citizenship applications from US nationals this year compared to the year prior, according to Home Office figures.

Sir Sadiq said: “For many Americans I speak with, it’s because of our values that record numbers are applying to be citizens.

“This includes our fundamental values like adhering to the rule of law, being proud of our diversity and championing the rights of minority communities. As well as being the UK’s financial, legal and governmental centre, in London we offer an ecosystem that is unparalleled around the world, from our brilliant universities to our culture and our creative industries.

“But it’s also our liberal values that make us stand out - celebrating our diversity in London as a strength, not as a threat to society.”

Donald Trump state visit begins TODAY - what to expect from ceremonial trip

Donald Trump will touch down in the UK on Tuesday for an unprecedented second state visit.

The King will host the US president and first lady Melania Trump at Windsor Castle, where they will be treated to a ceremonial welcome and a state banquet on Wednesday.

Mr Trump will also meet Keir Starmer for talks on Thursday at Chequers, his grace and favour residence, with MPs urging him to ramp up pressure on the US to secure relief from tariffs.

But the ceremonial affair risks being derailed by looming questions about Jeffrey Epstein. The Prime Minister is under pressure after he sacked US ambassador Peter Mandelson over his association with the notorious paedophile.

Donald Trump state visit begins TODAY - what to expect from ceremonial trip

Donald Trump's security entourage for UK - from the Beast to hazmat specialists

Donald Trump is arriving for a state visit full of pomp and ceremony, and behind it will be a major security operation including a massive motorcade with 'the Beast' at the centre.

Windsor Castle staff are setting the mahogany table, grooms have buffed the hooves of the horses that will pull the royal carriages, and the military honour guard has been drilled to ensure every step lands with precision. Everything has been put in place as King Charles entertains Trump for his second state visit with tiaras, brass bands and banquets, with the aim of bolstering ties at a strained moment internationally over trade and security.

Specialist police have been brought in to carry out searches of Windsor Castle where Trump will have an overnight stay. It is part of a multimillion pound security operation which has taken months to prepare.

Donald Trump's security entourage for UK - from the Beast to hazmat specialists

Donald Trump set for awkward UK visit as Channel 4 to air night of untruths

Channel 4 is to air a night of programming focusing on Donald Trump's untruths, including an impersonator taking over from its continuity announcer to give out false information.

On September 17, the first day of the US president’s state visit to the UK, the channel will show Trump V The Truth, which will show the president making 100 falsehoods, distortions and inaccuracies, either written or said by Mr Trump during his time in office.

The show will feature untrue statements punctuated by brief text-based fact-checks, while the impersonator will work as the show’s continuity announcer throughout the day, giving out misleading programme synopses and exaggerated running times.

Donald Trump set for awkward UK visit as Channel 4 to air night of untruths

Armed police to patrol streets of Windsor for Trump's state visit

Armed police will be patrolling the streets of Windsor over the coming days as Trump touches down in the UK for his second state visit.

During his time in the country, Trump is expected to be accompanied by a motorcade. It's understood the motorcade will include his armoured limousine dubbed The Beast.

Thames Valley Police will be making use of drones, horses and dogs for the operation, reports say.

'Very high threat level' at Windsor Castle ahead of Trump visit

The Metropolitan Police is prepared for a “very high threat level” at Windsor Castle ahead of Donald Trump's controversial second state visit.

A 24-hour policing operation will be in place around the royal residence as police warn that officers are prepared to respond to potentially high-threat incidents.

Police will deploy armed response vehicles, baton guns and ballistic helmets.