London pub rebrands as 'The Trump Arms' to celebrate the President's state visit
The banner bearing Trump’s name was hoisted onto the roof just hours before the president touched down in London.
A west London pub has rebranded as The Trump Arms to mark Donald Trump’s state visit - and added a lounge called the Charlie Kirk Debate Room.
Management at Biddy Mulligan’s said the dedication promotes free speech and condemns what they called rising left-wing violence.
The relaunch on Wednesday (17th September) drew praise from supporters, and while the Trump nod is temporary, the dedication to Kirk is going to be permanent.
Biddy Mulligan’s, in Brook Green, an Irish-themed pub near Olympia, raised a rooftop banner ahead of the U.S. leader’s arrival in Britain.
Management said the new space is intended to promote “free speech” while celebrating Kirk’s role in the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement.
“The pub will permanently rename its entertainment lounge to Charlie Kirk Debate Room and offer guests the opportunity to celebrate the life of one of the MAGA movement’s brightest stars,” according to a pub spokesperson.
Kirk, a 31-year-old conservative activist, was shot dead on Wednesday and prosecutors allege he was targeted because of his "political expression".
Tyler Robinson, 22, has appeared in court in Utah, facing seven charges, including aggravated murder of Kirk.
Landlord Damien Smyth said the decision to rename the lounge was both a tribute and a message.
“Millions of people around the world have been left horrified that a decent family man like Charlie could be slaughtered during a peaceful and open public debate,” Smyth said.
“We owe it to his wife and children to send a clear message that we stand against the rise of left-wing extremism and violence."
The banner bearing Trump’s name was hoisted onto the roof just hours before the president touched down in London.
The banner “will remain there until he leaves".
Security was heightened in the area as authorities prepared for Trump’s visit, reflecting concerns over planned protests and counter-demonstrations.
Among the demonstrators, the “Stop Trump” coalition organised large-scale rallies opposing the president’s policies and presence in the UK.
Nonetheless, Smyth framed the temporary identity of the pub as a gesture of respect toward Trump’s second presidency.
He noted that Trump’s visit also highlights ongoing political ties between the U.S. and UK conservative movements amid current global tensions.
“Likewise, President Trump has been democratically elected not once, but twice, and deserves respect for all his achievements in making America great again,” he said, per the release.
Patrick Sullivan, a local regular, welcomed the move, saying the president’s record had made a lasting impression.
“President Trump has cracked down on crime, curbed illegal immigration and reversed America’s decline,” Sullivan said. The British look across the pond with envy at such strong leadership, which is why a political tidal wave in now inevitable.”