Donald Trump Shrugs Off Parliament Snub During UK Visit
Donald Trump isn’t losing sleep over missing the chance to speak in front of British MPs. In fact, he says they should just “go and have a good time.”
As the former U.S. president prepares for his UK visit from 17–19 September, there has been speculation about whether Parliament might be recalled during the recess to allow Trump to deliver a rare joint address. But he’s made it crystal clear—he’s not bothered.
“Let them go and have a good time,” Trump told the BBC when asked about MPs possibly cutting their break short. “I don’t want them to.”
With Parliament not in session, it’s highly unlikely Trump will get the platform some of his UK supporters have been calling for.
It would have been a symbolic moment—he was denied a similar opportunity back in 2019 during his first state visit, unlike Barack Obama in 2011, who addressed both Houses of Parliament.
Back then, Trump’s visit was marked by mass protests and the infamous baby blimp floating over Westminster. This time, the atmosphere may be less charged—but the political divide still lingers.
Not everyone in Westminster is content to let the moment pass. High-profile figures like Reform UK’s Nigel Farage and senior Tory MP Suella Braverman have argued the president deserves to speak in Parliament, and have lobbied for a recall.
Trump, however, is keeping his focus elsewhere. “Have a good time and respect King Charles, because he’s a great gentleman,” he said of his main goals for the UK visit.
The former president also dismissed any political undercurrents behind King Charles’s decision to open the Canadian parliament earlier this year, despite ongoing tensions between Trump and Ottawa.
“I didn’t view it as anything,” Trump shrugged. “They’re wrapped up with Canada. So what’s he going to do? He has no choice.”
Even Brexit—a cause Trump has publicly backed—wasn’t spared his blunt commentary. “Been on the sloppy side,” he admitted. “But I think it’s getting straightened out.”
