Trump receives special treatment in the UK

September 17, 2025

It’s Wednesday. I’ve been glued to live streams of Trump visiting the UK all morning, and now… well, I’m just craving some high tea this afternoon. 🫖

In today’s issue:

Ride the British Trump Golden Carriage
Protesters highlighted Epstein
Dismissed CDC Chief leaks regarding RFK Jr.
Charlie Kirk expressed doubts about the Assassin text
Tea rates will be set at 2pm

In the UK

The Royals really do know how to carry themselves:

President Trump seems quite pleased. He and the First Lady, Melania Trump, are in the UK today, and Charles III warmly welcomed him. Trump was seen performing live while being drawn in a golden carriage.

📸 What a stunning photo from the talented Doug Mills.

💬 Follow our live blog today.

➤Scenes and sounds:

Protesters projected images onto Windsor Castle: Some of these included images of Jeffrey Epstein and Prince Andrew. Reports indicate that four people were arrested for these demonstrations. 📸 Projected image on Windsor Castle.

What did Kate, Princess of Wales, wear? A maroon coat dress paired with a matching hat. Trump complimented her, saying, “You’re beautiful, so beautiful.” 📸 Greeting photos.

Melania Trump’s ensemble for tonight: CNN’s Aleina Tren reported that she had been planning her outfit “for months” for the state banquet.

📹Prince and Princess of Wales shared a video of their arrival.

Gifts were exchanged: Trump received several items, including a personalized Anya Hind handbag, known for Melania’s fashion affinity. Queen Camilla also gave gifts, which included replicas of a sword once owned by former President Eisenhower, symbolizing their alliance during World War II.

📹Trump was seen in a carriage.

Can you read their lips? A clip from Daily Mail shows King Charles telling Trump, “Look at the sword.”

Trump’s accommodations: Reportedly, he is staying in one of the Grand Guest Suites at Windsor Castle, where a “royal blend” tea is being served.

Trump viewed artifacts related to US independence: He was shown five tables that contained historical artifacts and documents about US-UK relations. When he came across documents from the Revolutionary War, he exclaimed, “Wow!” King Charles described them as “attractive.”

Lunch at Windsor Castle: The White House press team was served “cucumber (and tuna) sandwiches” for their meal.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff also had a chance for a carriage ride. Everyone rides!

At Capitol Hill

Tell me everything, Susan:

The former Director of the CDC, Susan Monares, who was dismissed just 29 days after taking charge, testified today, disclosing clashes with his former boss, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr..

Additionally, former CDC Chief Medical Officer Debra Houry also provided testimony.

Monales’ statements gained attention: “I remained silent and agreed to their request, but no one would have known.” He added, “The public saw scientists being dismissed without reason, and vaccine protections were quietly weakened… I could have kept my title, but I wouldn’t exchange one thing: my integrity.”

Childhood vaccine schedule: Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) asked if Kennedy had asked him to alter his recommendations without scientific backing. “The right thing,” Monares responded.

Monales mentioned Kennedy’s frustration: “The secretary was very upset during our morning meeting,” Monales noted, alluding to Kennedy’s concerns regarding future ACIP recommendations.

Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) was in close contact with Monares.

💻Watch the hearing.

Aspects of Kennedy’s assertion – recall his reasoning for dismissing Monales? During tense testimony, Kennedy informed Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) of his resignation, questioning trustworthiness.

Reminder – Monares’ leaving wasn’t subtle: Following her termination, several top officials at the CDC halted operations, and numerous employees protested in her support.

➤ Welcome to Day 2:

Meanwhile, FBI Director Kash Patel testified, and the second day of proceedings was in progress.

➤ The prospect of government shutdowns looms?:

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) introduced a 91-page plan to extend government funding until November 21. However, Democratic leaders quickly rejected it, asserting it lacked necessary considerations, particularly concerning healthcare subsidies. The implications of a potential shutdown now seem more likely.

Charlie Kirk Assassination

More details emerge:

Officials in Utah County released a text message that sheds light on the alleged assassination of Charlie Kirk and possible motives associated with it.

Excerpts from the concerning texts:

Suspect Tyler Robinson reportedly urged his roommate, “Drop what you’re doing and look under my keyboard.” There was a note that read, “I’ve got the opportunity to take Charlie Kirk out and I’m going to take it.”
The roommate mentioned, “You weren’t the one tasked with it?” to which Robinson replied, “I’m sorry.”
Robinson also expressed frustration, stating that after Trump took office, his father became quite involved, indicating that Kirk’s “hate” had become intolerable.
At one point, he requested his roommate to delete their conversation.

By the way: ABC reporter Matt Gutman apologized for describing Robinson’s text as “impressive.”

➤ Utah Governor’s response was met with pushback:

Utah Governor Spencer Cox encouraged reflection on political violence, but some on the right were displeased with his sentiments.

➤ School updates:

Students at Utah Valley University will return to classes a week after Kirk’s public assassination.

Upcoming Events

As both the House and Senate are in session, President Trump is in the UK while Vice President Vance is in Michigan. (All times are EST)

Today: Vance is visiting a metal stamping facility in Howell, Michigan.

2:30 PM: Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell will hold a press conference.

3:30 PM: Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will attend the state banquet and post-dinner program.

6:15 AM Thursday: Trump will engage in a bilateral meeting with the British Prime Minister.

Thursday at 7:45 AM: Trump will meet with business leaders.

Thursday at 9:20 AM: Trump will join a press conference.

Thursday at 12:05 PM: Trump will depart the UK.

Thursday at 8:10 PM: Trump will return to the White House.

Internet Topics

🥪🍎 Celebrations: Today marks National Montecristo Day and Apple Dump Child Day across the nation.

🍦 “Ben’s” ice cream is losing its charm: Co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, Jerry Greenfield, announced his departure due to concerns that Unilever was stifling the company’s independence, despite its long history of supporting social justice causes.

✈ “OMG, Spirit”: Reports indicate that air traffic control had to repeatedly remind Spirit Air pilots to stay clear of Air Force One.

🚧 Found at the White House: Crews have begun removing trees as part of ongoing construction for the Trump Ballroom, including a notably large tree.