President Trump is generally unpopular in the United Kingdom, as every major opinion poll suggests. Still, he is likely to see at least a small boost following his state visit this week.
That’s because Trump did three things very well in Britain. He was deferential to the royal family, politely energetic in his public appearances, and full of praise for the United Kingdom.
Offering relentless statements of affection, Trump appeared to be having a great time. In his state banquet speech at Buckingham Palace, Trump appeared genuinely moved to be sitting at the side of Queen Elizabeth II. His tweets of gratitude to the royal family will also earn head nods from Britons. Trump’s jovial, man-of-the-people style will also play well with those who have viewed him skeptically until now. The following interaction with a World War II veteran, for example, will spark smiles.
All this flies in the face of what most Britons have read or seen of Trump — his worst impulses, his insults, and his self-absorbed view of the presidency.
Yes, many Britons will hold firm to their perception of Trump as a crude and unbecoming leader. And yes, Barack Obama will remain more popular than the incumbent president. But Trump did a very good job on this trip. Even normally anti-trump media figures have admitted as much.
I suspect the polls will show Trump a little more popular next time he heads across the Atlantic.
