Donald Trump’s recent behaviour has been slammed

King Charles is set to welcome US President Donald Trump for a second state visit to the UK later this year – but a petition is calling for the trip to be cancelled.

Trump, 79, is expected to embark on a state visit to the UK, possibly in September, following an official invitation from King Charles, 76.

Now, it seems that members of the public are fighting back against the move.

Donald Trump was expected to meet with the king over the summer (Credit: Cover Images)

King Charles ‘begged’ to stop Donald Trump’s state visit to UK

In February, a letter from the king was delivered to Trump by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The letter was delivered when Starmer met with the president at the White House.

Trump previously visited the UK in 2019. On that occasion, he was, of course, hosted by Queen Elizabeth II. But, he did also meet the then Prince of Wales, Charles.

Trump’s second state visit will break away from tradition as second-term US presidents are traditionally not offered state visits. Although, it does uphold both Trump and his wife Melania’s claims of a friendship with King Charles.

However, some members of the public aren’t impressed. So much so, a petition urging the British monarch to withdraw his invitation to Donald Trump has been circulating online for some months, with people still signing it at the time of writing.

The petition is hosted on the platform Change.org. Nick Bolding created it. He insists that Trump’s visit isn’t justifiable due to his actions and attitudes repeatedly clashing with the nation’s values.

King Charles will welcome Trump later this year (Credit: Cover Images)

Petition against Donald Trump’s state visit to UK

In the description of the petition, Bolding explained: “As someone deeply concerned about international relations, the announcement of President Trump’s second state visit to Britain has greatly distressed me.”

He continued: “It’s worth noting that each state visit by a US president tends to cost British taxpayers millions of pounds, an expense I believe isn’t justifiable for an individual whose actions and attitudes repeatedly clash with our nation’s values (Source: UK Parliament, Report on Royal Visits, 2021). Hence, it is my belief that the invitation extended to Trump symbolises an unfair misuse of taxpayer money.”

“Our country should stand with nations fighting for their democracy and sovereignty against unjust aggression, reflecting our historic commitment to global freedom and peace. To roll out the red carpet for someone who shows little respect for these values is contrary to our national interest,” Bolding insisted in the mission statement of the online petition.

He then concluded: “Please join me in urging King Charles to rescind the state visit invitation made to Donald Trump. Your signature counts, make it heard. This is about principle, diplomacy, and prudent use of public funds. Sign the petition now.”

King Charles urged to call off meeting with Donald Trump

The petition, titled Urge King Charles to Withdraw State Visit Invitation to Donald Trump, has already gained over 50,000 signatures.

It is one of 50 petitions in the movement “Cancel Donald Trump’s Second State Visit to the UK” on the platform.

Reports online explain that e-petitions on the UK Government and Parliament website need 10,000 signatures trigger a government response.

While 100,000 signatures trigger consideration for a debate in Parliament.

There isn’t a fixed number of signatures required on a Change.org petition to ensure a response. However, engagement on social media is sure to trigger some conversation.

Donald Trump to visit UK for second state visit

Charles’ “unprecedented” move to invite Trump for a second state visit hints at his intention to maintain strong diplomatic ties with the US.

Typically, second-term US presidents who have already had a state visit usually receive an invite for a more informal visit, like a tea or lunch at Windsor Castle.

Due to a clash in their schedules, Charles and Trump will not meet over the summer. So, instead, the president will meet with the king for a full state visit later this year.