As President Donald Trump visited the United Kingdom for a state trip, his approval ratings at home surged. According to the Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll, 53% of likely U.S. voters approved of his performance, a notable increase from 48% earlier in the week. This shift marked a 10-point swing in Trump’s net approval rating, moving from minus three to plus seven, reflecting strong and polarized voter sentiment.

The polling bump coincided with Trump’s high-profile visit with the British royal family and political leaders. During a press conference at the trip’s conclusion, Trump made headlines by advocating for the U.S. to regain control of Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan, which was vacated during President Biden’s 2021 withdrawal. Trump emphasized the air base’s strategic location, citing its proximity to China’s nuclear weapons facilities.

While Trump described Bagram as a “powerful” military base, Afghan officials were quick to reject any idea of reestablishing a U.S. military presence. Zakir Jalaly, an Afghan Foreign Ministry official, reiterated that Afghanistan favors mutual respect and economic cooperation, not foreign military presence. He emphasized that the possibility of a U.S. return had already been dismissed during the Doha talks.

Analysts also pointed out geopolitical tensions, particularly with China. Bill Roggio of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies stated that China would aggressively oppose any U.S. return to Afghanistan and has the resources to pressure the Taliban to prevent it. China’s regional interests make the Bagram discussion highly sensitive.

Trump’s trip faced an unexpected hiccup when Marine One, carrying the president and First Lady Melania Trump, made an emergency landing due to hydraulic issues. The couple switched helicopters safely and continued their journey without incident, though the trip was delayed.

During the state visit, King Charles III and Queen Camilla hosted the Trumps for a second formal visit. Prime Minister Keir Starmer also praised a new £250 billion mutual investment deal between the U.S. and U.K., calling it the most “natural partnership in the world.”