President Trump’s inaugural visit to Britain has got off to a good start.
Trump was received by a Royal Air Force honor guard on his arrival at London Stansted Airport and then whisked to the U.S. ambassador’s residence in Regent’s Park in central London (the residence has specific security features demanded by the Secret Service).
So far Trump has met with the U.S. ambassador and embassy staff at the residence, and will travel for a dinner at Winston Churchill’s childhood residence, Blenheim Palace, later this evening.
But the most striking takeaway of this visit is the police presence. The U.S. Secret Service and its British counterpart, the Metropolitan Police’s Protection Command have isolated Trump in a bubble of steel. Hundreds of British police officers have been assigned to guard the outer perimeter at the various events Trump will attend and the U.K.’s elite counter-terrorism SWAT officers, CTSFOs, are in the presidential escort party. They are almost certainly supported by elements of the British Army’s special forces regiment, the 22nd Special Air Service.
While the huge security operation fits expectations and is primarily about guarding against terrorist attacks, it is also a function of the widespread protests that are accompanying Trump on his visit. Because while those protesters do not pose any significant threat to Trump, they could disrupt his movements. It is for that reason that U.S. and U.K. security officials have opted to move Trump via helicopter flight rather than by motorcade.
Thus far British officials will be breathing a sigh of relief. The first couple has touched down safely, the weather is sunny, and everything is proceeding to plan.
