The pub was previously rebranded for Trump’s first state visit to the UK
A West London pub has undergone a rebrand to The Trump Arms in honour of Donald Trump’s state visit, and has even introduced a lounge named the Charlie Kirk Debate Room. The team at Biddy Mulligan’s stated that the dedication is ‘a stand for free speech’ and a condemnation of what they described as ‘rising left-wing violence’.
The temporary sign was unveiled yesterday (Wednesday, September 17) and was met with applause from supporters. While the Trump tribute is temporary, the homage to Kirk will be a permanent fixture.
Biddy Mulligan’s, an Irish-themed pub located in Brook Green near Olympia, displayed a rooftop banner in anticipation of the U.S. leader’s arrival in Britain. The management explained that the new space aims to champion “free speech” whilst celebrating Kirk’s contribution to the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement.
A spokesperson for the pub said: “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.”
Kirk, a 31-year-old conservative activist, was killed at a university rally in Utah last week. Tyler Robinson, 22, has been brought before a court in Utah, facing seven charges, including the aggravated murder of Kirk.
Pub landlord Damien Smyth expressed that the decision to rename the lounge serves both as a tribute and a statement. He said: “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. 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.”
Just hours before the president’s arrival in London, a banner bearing Trump’s name was hoisted onto the roof. The banner “will remain there until he leaves”.
As Trump’s visit approached, security was ramped up in the area due to concerns about planned protests and counter-demonstrations. Among the protesters, the “Stop Trump” coalition organised large-scale rallies opposing the president’s policies and presence in the UK. Yesterday saw thousands of protesters take to Parliament Square to demonstrate against the visit, whilst Tuesday evening saw a giant image of Trump and Jeffrey Epstein projected onto Windsor Castle, where the Trumps have been staying during their trip.
However, Smyth portrayed the temporary rebranding of the pub as a gesture of respect towards Trump’s second term in office. He pointed out that Trump’s visit also underscores the ongoing political ties between the U.S. and UK conservative movements amid current global tensions.
Smyth said: “Likewise, President Trump has been democratically elected not once, but twice, and deserves respect for all his achievements in making America great again.”
Patrick Sullivan, a local regular, applauded the move, stating that the president’s record had made a lasting impact. He said: “President Trump has cracked down on crime, curbed illegal immigration and reversed America’s decline. The British look across the pond with envy at such strong leadership, which is why a political tidal wave in now inevitable.”
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