What will Donald Trump hope to gain from his state visit to the UK?

Politics Explained: President’s last appearance in the UK holds some clues as to his motivations, of which his ‘America First’ policy is at the forefront

Donald Trump’s visit to the UK will lead the news agenda for most of the week in Britain, but what can we expect from coverage in the US?

A visit to London does not always elicit the all-encompassing coverage that some in America may expect, particularly given Mr Trump’s track record with controversy on foreign visits.

The president’s last appearance in the UK – which was a working trip rather than state visit – can offer some clues about what the White House will want coverage to be about.

Last summer, Mr Trump undercut Theresa May by chastising the approach to Brexit and talking up his “friend” Boris Johnson.

The reason for this, other than the fact that Mr Trump links what he sees as the populist Brexit movement to his own rise to high political office, is that the president wants to appear strong to his supporter base.

“America First” is the policy goal and anything that he believes adds to this image is worth any backlash.

Hence the pomp and circumstance of the royal family’s involvement in a state visit will be welcomed.

Mr Trump wants the photo opportunities that give the message “I belong here” among world leaders and people of power.

Many Trump voters believed that he was the outsider candidate who would speak truth to power. It may end up only being platitudes, but the optics of the visit are important for the president.

Many Americans’ fascination with the British royal family will also bring coverage, but the fact that the Duchess of Sussex will probably not meet Mr Trump having given birth four weeks ago may dampen that somewhat. The president’s favourite network, Fox News, will no doubt give the visit a healthy amount of coverage.

Other networks such as CNN may choose to concentrate on the possibility of protests – which are likely to be substantial.

Controversy is never far from President Trump, with US networks quick to pick up on the president’s etiquette failure while walking with the Queen during last year’s visit.

On the policy front, trade will be important. Given the number of trade spats Mr Trump is currently embroiled in, including with China and Mexico, he will no doubt want to announce progress with Britain on a new trade deal which could run beyond Brexit.

Even Theresa May, who will be exiting Downing Street 48 hours after Trump’s visit, will probably want the same to give the Conservatives a bit of breathing room as they appoint a new leader.

Mr Trump will also seek to take advantage of Ms May’s diminished position to make clear pronouncements about the strength of the US trade position and national security.

London and Washington do not see eye to eye over the Chinese state’s use of technology companies like Huawei, with the White House viewing them as a potential threat.

Strong and stable may have been Ms May’s much-maligned phrase for her government – but that is exactly the impression Mr Trump will want to give of his administration.

Pushing the “America First” agenda will be his aim at every public event in the UK, whatever the kind words about the “special relationship”, but much of the US media will be keeping a close eye on any gaffes or controversies.