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.

Listen to Discussion from 1:09:58