U.S. president mocked as thousands protest Trump's UK state visit

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Thousands of protesters gathered in London on Tuesday to show their opposition to Donald Trump on his state visit to the UK. The U.S. President was jeered by the crowds and the 20-foot "Baby Trump" blimp, which was created for his previous visit to the country, was flown above Parliament Square during his meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May.

Trump interpreted the rally differently, saying during a press conference that "there were thousands of people cheering" for him, while there was only a "very, very small group of people [protesting against him] put in for political reasons... so it was fake news."

The "Baby Trump" balloon was arranged by "Stop Trump Coalition" and Asad Rehman, one of the group's organizers, said the stunt was "a very British way of using humor, to prick that pomposity [of the U.S. President]."

As Trump made his way to the prime minister's residence in Downing Street, he reportedly passed the blimp. When it was flown during his previous visit to London, the president complained the inflatable baby made him "feel unwelcome."

Toilet humor- the robotic effigy of Trump is worth 25,000 U.S. dollars, London, June 4, 2019. /CGTN Photo

However, there was more to dampen his mood on this trip as protesters wheeled out a talking robot depicting the president sitting on a toilet seat.

Don Lessem, a robotics company owner from Philadelphia commissioned the effigy from a supplier in China at a cost of 25,000 U.S. dollars. Lessem told CGTN: "I can't stand the guy, most Americans can't and I wanted the rest of the world to know he is an insult to democracy."

"The British get out and protest when they feel things, Americans don't and it's particularly disturbing that Trump is using the pomp and ceremony of this visit to make himself into a fake patriot," said Lessem, who plans to ship the robot to the U.S. in time for Independence Day celebrations.

Several thousand protesters gathered in the capital, organized by an umbrella organization "Together Against Trump." Among those protesting were Members of Parliament from the Labour Party, celebrities, members of socialist groups and feminist organizations, pro-Palestine activists and football fans.

Protect the NHS

Most of the protesters gathered at the Trafalgar Square before making their way along Whitehall to Parliament Square, where they heard a speech from Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who warned against "offering up our precious, wonderful National Health Service" for a post-Brexit trade deal with America, before vowing to defend free healthcare.

As well as Trump's associations with far-Right groups and figures, protesters were rallying against a potential U.S.-UK trade deal through which the British state-run National Health Service could be opened up to American businesses.

About 10,000 demonstrators gathered to protest against U.S. President Donald Trump in London, June 4, 2019. /CGTN Photo

During a press conference with May, Trump confirmed that in a future trade deal he wanted the entirety of the UK economy – including the NHS – to be "on the table."

While significantly outnumbered by the protesters, there were small pockets of Trump supporters present.

Phillip Butah, a member of Friends of Trump UK, said: "I think Donald Trump is the best thing to happen to public life since I was little. He cares about the people, he is not a politician, which is the main draw for me and I would come out to support him in the rain again."

A dozen Trump supporters, many of whom were wearing hats bearing the president's slogan "Make America Great Again," had gathered outside a pub in Whitehall. They waved American flags and exchanged chants with the protesters before police stepped in to separate the groups. Later, several unidentified protesters, some of whom had their faces covered, scuffled with police outside the same pub.

The president's visit is part of the events to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings during the World War II.

One member of Friends of Trump UK, who identified himself as Saul from Manchester, said: "There is no better time to invite the American President than on the 75th anniversary of the D-Day invasion. When Britain and America came together to fight fascism to fight the evil that was taking over the world. I think it's a good time to have him around and take part in all the commemorations."

Some skirmishes broke out between protesters and Trump supporters, London, June 4, 2019. /CGTN Photo

The state visit comes amid Brexit uncertainty for the UK. Addressing business leaders on Monday night, Trump, a supporter of Brexit, said the U.S. and a post-Brexit Britain can have a "very, very substantial trade deal," adding that "this is something you want to do and my folks want to do."

In turn, May, who steps down as Conservative Party leader on June 7, hailed the "huge opportunities" for the UK and the U.S. to work together: "Of course, that is with a good bilateral trade deal."

It is highly unlikely that she will be in power to sign any future deal and her successors, who will battle to become Conservative leader and then prime minister, were already maneuvering for face time with Trump.

Michael Gove, the environment secretary and a Tory leadership candidate, was due to meet the president. While his rival Boris Johnson has no meeting planned with Trump, despite the president's praise for the Brexiteer.