Consider This from NPR

Episode: The U.K.'s response to Trump, like America's, is divided
Date: September 17, 2025
Host: Mary Louise Kelly

Main Theme

This episode examines the divided response in the United Kingdom to President Donald Trump’s historic second state visit. It explores the ceremonial welcome and contrasting widespread protests in London, the controversy around U.S. foreign policy and Trump's influence, the role of right-leaning media (notably GB News), and the shifting landscape of British politics and public opinion as America and the U.K. grapple with their complex relationship.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ceremonial Welcome vs. Protest (00:04–01:44)

• Main Idea: President Trump's UK visit is marked by grandeur at Windsor Castle—parades, banquets, royals—but is met by massive dissent in the streets.

• Protesters' Concerns:

  • U.S. actions in Gaza
  • Trump’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein
  • Perceived U.S. move away from traditional alliances

• Memorable Scene: Protesters with “Trump baby blimps” filling London streets.

  “The sights and sounds beyond the castle were far different… thousands of protesters filling the streets of London with chants and signs and Trump baby blimps.”
  — Mary Louise Kelly [00:30]

• Protester Quote:

  “America is no longer our ally... America has turned on us and is more aligned with autocratic dictatorship... unless we acknowledge the problem, we are not able to solve it.”
  — Emma Blink, protester from Ukraine [00:51, 00:58]

2. Political Opposition: Sir Ed Davy Interview (03:00–08:52)

• Background:
  Sir Ed Davy, leader of the Liberal Democrats (UK's 3rd largest political party), declined the state banquet in protest of Trump’s policy on Gaza.

• Key Perspectives:

  • Banquet Boycott:

    “I love America and I love our king. ... But I've been really worried about President Trump's approach on Gaza… He is the one person in the world who could end the humanitarian catastrophe there.”
    — Sir Ed Davy [03:40]

  • On U.S. Leverage Over Gaza:
    Argues Trump could “stop the funding of the Israeli Defense Forces,” press Netanyahu, and exert pressure on regional players for a ceasefire and hostage release.

    “President Trump... has the means to stop it and he chooses not to stop it. I’m told he wants the Nobel Peace Prize—well, if he stops the killing... I’d support him for it.”
    — Sir Ed Davy [04:55]

  • On Elon Musk’s Influence and Rhetoric:
    Davy condemns Musk’s remote appearance at a right-wing rally, accuses him of fomenting violence:

    “Elon Musk spoke by video link ... said violence is coming, fight back or die. ... 26 police officers injured, four very seriously.”
    — Sir Ed Davy [06:55]

    Calls for cross-party action to “hit back” at Musk’s economic interests due to interference in British democracy.

  • Tone on Social Media Exchanges:
    Defends his use of ridicule and humor against Musk as “exposing fanatic extremists,” intending to demonstrate decency and accountability.

    “He started it... What I try to do in my approach to politics is make people smile a little bit and ridicule these fanatic extremists like Elon Musk...”
    — Sir Ed Davy [08:12]

3. Media Reaction: Inside GB News (09:03–15:01)

• Profile of GB News:

  • Right-leaning channel founded 4 years ago, recently overtook the BBC in ratings.

  • Editorial approach claims “common sense” rather than ideological slant.

    “We just need to be correct.”
    — Michael Booker, Editorial Director [10:57]

• Comparisons to Fox News:

  • While not self-identifying as the “Fox News of Britain,” GB News acknowledges some parallels, especially for U.S. audiences’ understanding.

  • Emphasizes coverage for underserved regions and communities.

    “I'm from the north of England... wanted to get into those communities and listen to what was going on...”
    — Michael Booker [10:00]

• Editorial Voice and Staff:

  • Christopher Hope (Political Editor) admits right-leaning presenter backgrounds but argues mainstream UK media ignores issues important to viewers (immigration, crime).

    “[Our viewers] want to have the entire conversation. We want to talk about the issues; it's okay to be worried about immigration. It's not a racist thing or a far right thing.”
    — Christopher Hope [12:15]

• Example of GB News Coverage:

  • Highlighted coverage of local protests against migrant hotel accommodation, contrasting their approach with other UK networks.

  • Willingness to raise “offensive” or polarizing questions.

    “Many people can’t afford a hotel room in this country, but our taxes are paying for people who arrive here illegally to stay… Raising that question… is one of the big issues we’ve been doing at GB News.”
    — Christopher Hope [13:08]

• International Expansion & Trump Media Partnership:

  • Launching a Washington, D.C.-based show, expanding coverage of U.S. politics for the UK audience.

  • Entered a partnership with Trump Media.

    "Devin Nunes... describes the goal of the partnership... as 'putting another dent in the global woke news monopoly.' Is that how you see it?"
    — Mary Louise Kelly [14:36]

    "Well, that's the way that he sees it. Whether some people are woke or not, I don't particularly care, really. My job... is to do the best I can for the people. We are the People's Channel."
    — Michael Booker [14:44]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Pomp vs. Protest:
  “The sights and sounds beyond the castle were far different... Trump baby blimps.”
  — Mary Louise Kelly [00:30]

• Disillusioned Protester:
  “America is no longer our ally... unless we acknowledge the problem, we are not able to solve it.”
  — Emma Blink [00:58]

• Political Boycott Rationale:
  “I do think he needs to be held to account for his failure to act. In Gaza.”
  — Sir Ed Davy [03:40]

• Call for Accountability:
  “We are the People's Channel.”
  — Michael Booker [14:44]

• Pressing Media Influence:
  “Imagine if we did that. He said that civil war is inevitable in the UK. Imagine if we did that.”
  — Sir Ed Davy, on Elon Musk [06:00]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:04–01:44 — Contrasts of ceremony and protest, voices from the London demonstrations
• 03:00–08:52 — Interview with Sir Ed Davy (Liberal Democrats): Boycotting banquet, Gaza policy, social media and Elon Musk's role
• 09:03–15:01 — GB News profile and interviews: Editorial stance, views on UK and US media, partnership with Trump Media

Tone & Style

• Mary Louise Kelly’s reporting is informative, clear, and occasionally gently probing.
• Sir Ed Davy’s manner is passionate but principled, mixing seriousness with wry humor.
• The GB News team emphasizes an “everyman” perspective, resistant to establishment/elite narratives.

Summary Flow

The episode draws a vivid portrait of a split in British society—a ceremonial facade for a controversial American visitor overlays deep divisions about U.S. policy, the ever-expanding influence of right-leaning media, and shifting values on both sides of the Atlantic. Through the voices of protestors, politicians, and journalists, NPR documents how Trump’s presence stirs passionate debate about alliances, authority, and how people want their nations—and their news media—to represent them.