What’s on Matthew’s mind: 38 Degrees supporters oppose Trump visit

In this new series, our CEO Matthew McGregor shares honest reflections on 38 Degrees’ work and the issues of the day.

More than 206,000 people have signed a petition started on the 38 Degrees website demanding that Donald Trump’s state visit be cancelled.

Many of the petition signers’ comments speak to the fury that Brits have for Trump’s treatment of Ukraine. Here’s one example: “I have just watched the disgraceful meeting with Zelensky in utter disbelief at the rudeness and dismissiveness of Trump and Vance and firmly believe we should not be giving him any sort of welcome – utter embarrassment at the American performance.”

The strength of feeling about this behaviour unites many of the petition signers, as seen in this remark too: “The despicable bullying of Zelensky by Trump and Vance was absolutely appalling. We can’t be shown to be willing to toady up to this awful man for whatever diplomatic advantage.”

Another petition signer expressed anger at the idea of honouring someone who has not earned it: “Just watched the press conference of the oval office between Trump and Zelensky today – he has no honour, no integrity and is a danger to western democracy. If a state visit and meeting the King is meant to be an honour this man has done nothing to deserve it.”

Some supporters told us they didn’t sign because they see the state visit as part of Keir Starmer’s diplomatic support for Zelenskyy. I understand that.

To learn more about where the public stands on this, 38 Degrees commissioned polling. This was featured on Good Morning Britain, with 51% of Brits saying Trump isn’t welcome in the UK for a state visit.

Interestingly, while the poll shows how raging people are about Trump, it also shows that Keir Starmer’s backing for Pres. Zelenskyy after his White House visit made the public feel “proud to be British”. The PM’s standing up for Ukraine had the support of 46% of the public, who said it made them feel proud, while just 12% said it did not.

38 Degrees supporters have been supporting the Ukrainian people since the 2022 invasion, donating to refugee causes and calling for better support from the Government.

Read more about the poll in the Independent here.