The “Trump Baby” balloon, prepared for Donald Trump’s visit to the UK in July 2018
UPDATE, APRIL 27:
David Dunn of the University of Birmingham also spoke with BBC outlets about the Trump State visit and the likely mass protests.
Listen to BBC Radio London from 2:38:59
The whole point with State visits is that both sides profit from them, but with Trump you never know how it’s going to go.
Trump has a very fragile ego and he can’t cope with any form of criticism — he wants to be loved. He responds badly to any type of protests.
There is a danger that rather than strengthening the relationship between the US and UK, it may sour relations.
Listen to BBC 3 Counties from 1:51:43
UPDATE, APRIL 24:
Following White House confirmation of the invitation for Donald Trump’s State visit to the UK, I spoke with BBC 3 Counties Radio about the complications and likely mass protests.
Listen to Discussion from 35:30
But in a chat with BBC Coventry, I never get to the discussion of the visit after the presenter is unsettled by my explanation of Trump’s policies and behavior, including links with Russia.
Listen to Discussion from 2:42:14
The White House is about to announce a State visit by Donald Trump to the UK in June, according to BBC correspondent Jon Sopel.
Since December, there has been chatter of Trump getting his long-delayed pomp and circumstance after British Prime Minister Theresa May issued the invitation but then backed away amid Trump’s erratic, provocative, and damaging behavior.
So why give Trump — who made an official but not State visit last July — the full ceremony, especially after he and his advisors undercut May and supported her rival Boris Johnson?
And, although the visit would follow European ceremonies for the 75th anniversary of D-Day, why time it in the midst of the UK’s Brexit turmoil?
TrumpWatch, Day 789: Trump Tries to Take Charge of Brexit…and Threatens Prime Minister May
I discuss with BBC Radio Scotland’s Gary Robertson.