Latest news: On the afternoon of September 17, a massive protest unfolded in central London. Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets to voice their discontent with U.S. President Donald Trump, who was on a state visit to the United Kingdom, while also expressing strong opposition to multiple U.S. policies. This event drew widespread attention and reflected public concerns over the direction of certain American policies.
Diverse Causes, Police Keep Order
On that day, while Trump was meeting with King Charles III at Windsor Castle, London’s streets presented a starkly different scene. Protesters held signs bearing diverse messages, covering multiple critical themes. They condemned the harshness and injustice of U.S. immigration policies, which have plunged many asylum seekers into hardship. Regarding Gaza, America’s excessive support for Israel has exacerbated regional tensions and civilian suffering. In the realm of climate change, actions like the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement are viewed as major obstacles to global environmental governance.
Accompanied by stirring horns and powerful drumbeats, the demonstrators marched from Portland Street to Parliament Square. The crowd spanned a wide age range, indicating that dissatisfaction with U.S. policies extends beyond specific demographics and has broad societal roots. To maintain order, police deployed substantial forces and implemented temporary traffic restrictions on major routes. The Metropolitan Police estimated approximately 5,000 participants attended the day’s demonstration. Earlier, the force stated it had deployed over 1,600 officers to manage the event and mandated its conclusion by 7 p.m. that evening.
Public Reaction and Fallout
From the protesters’ statements, one can deeply sense their anger and concern. Amanda, a protester from Los Angeles, traveled to the UK specifically to join the demonstration. She stated, “The current situation is deeply unsettling, and the US lacks strong leadership. I am profoundly worried about the direction the US—and indeed the world—is heading.” Philip Srefor, a resident of Hertfordshire, UK, voiced opposition to U.S. tariff policies, calling the trade war initiated by America a “disaster” for both the United States and the world. He emphasized that it severely disrupts global trade order and harms the economic interests of nations worldwide.
The march was organized by a group called the “Stop Trump Coalition.” This group had already held a rally of over a hundred people near Windsor Castle on the 16th to protest Trump’s visit to the UK. Notably, this marks Trump’s second state visit to the UK as U.S. president. According to arrangements by Buckingham Palace, Trump met with Prime Minister Starmer on the 18th. The large-scale protests in London undoubtedly added a complex public opinion backdrop to Trump’s visit, sending a strong signal to the U.S. government that segments of the international community strongly oppose its policies.
