Trump’s 2025 UK Visit Sparks Controversy Over Flag Color

LONDON, England — During former President Donald Trump’s second state visit to the UK last month, a total of 66 hand-sewn US flags had to be replaced due to color discrepancies, resulting in a cost of approximately £52,800 in public funds, a government supplier claimed.

Nick Farley, managing director of the Flag Consultancy, which is contracted for significant ceremonial events, reported that the US Embassy objected to the shade of red on the original flags. The American officials insisted on a brighter ‘cherry red’ instead of the ‘R01’ red on the flags initially prepared.

“We had to buy all new flags for this visit,” Farley stated. “Before a state visit, we have to provide samples for signoff, and countries find it insulting if we get our colors wrong.”

The replacement of the flags highlighted the extent to which the UK government accommodated Trump during his visit. Leading up to the visit, Keir Starmer, the UK’s Labour Party leader, extended the formal invitation, which culminated in events featuring Trump with members of the royal family.

Trump himself described his time in the UK as “truly one of the highest honors of my life.” However, the switch of flags prompted criticisms regarding the level of indulgence shown to a former president who has been a polarizing figure.

As for the original flags, Farley indicated that their previous usage may have caused some fading, impacting the shade of red. He added, “The one we had in storage was closer to a russet color. Let’s just say they were unhappy.” The Embassy did not respond to requests for comment.

In light of these events, a government spokesperson defended the visit, asserting, “Our historic US state visit brought record-breaking investment into the UK of £150bn – boosting jobs and catapulting growth.” This claim underscores the complex relationship between traditional diplomatic norms and the realities of contemporary state visits involving high-profile figures.