On 12th May 2026, the UK–US Special Relationship Unit hosted Joshua Treviño, Senior Director of the America First Policy Institute’s Western Hemisphere Initiative, at the Prosperity Institute. In conversation with Lady Sarah Elliott, Treviño examined the Trump Administration’s rapid‑fire foreign policy interventions and their impact on US–UK relations, posing a stark question: can America still be Britain’s reliable security guarantor?
The discussion suggested that the Anglo‑American alliance has not stood on such fragile ground since the Suez Crisis. Over lunch, speakers unpacked the historical forces that have shaped the relationship, placing today’s tensions within centuries of shared history rather than the actions of a single presidential term. Candid critiques of both militaries, alongside recognition of Britain’s brave military contributions, underscored the depth and resilience of the bond between the two nations.
The conclusion was clear. The King’s visit was a success, pageantry still matters, the Special Relationship endures not merely because of shared heritage and values, but because of hard‑edged economic and security interests.
The relationship will continue, but it will need to adapt.