Trump caps UK trip with $350B tech pact, heads to Arizona for Kirk's memorial service
Deal to spur joint tech investment and energy cooperation; Trump to attend Charlie Kirk's memorial in Glendale as security concerns surface ahead of the event.
President Donald Trump capped his weeklong visit to the United Kingdom with a new $350 billion technology investment pact with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and then prepared to attend the memorial service for conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Arizona.
Officials described the Tech Prosperity Deal as a blueprint to spur joint investments in advanced technology, including the development of 12 advanced nuclear reactors, with energy slated to support the needs of both countries. The agreement is expected to attract involvement from major technology players, including Nvidia, OpenAI, Google, Salesforce and others backing cutting-edge British jobs for years to come. In economic terms, the plan is projected to generate about $50 billion in cumulative value and deliver power to as many as 1.5 million homes.
The pact envisions creating roughly 15,000 jobs in the United Kingdom and up to 2,500 jobs in the United States. It also aims to advance collaboration on energy and digital infrastructure, integrating U.S. and U.K. supply chains and encouraging cross-border investment. During a state dinner at Windsor Castle, Trump and King Charles III were part of a display of the long-running U.S.-U.K. partnership. Trump invoked the esteem of the so-called “special relationship,” noting the bond that has historically tied the two democracies together, and praising the shared values, language, and heritage that underpin the alliance.
During remarks at Windsor, Trump said, "His Majesty spoke eloquently about the bond which inspired Sir Winston Churchill — the bust is in the Oval Office right now — the beautiful bust of Winston Churchill, to coin the phrase ‘special relationship,’ but seen from American eyes, the word ‘special’ does not begin to do it justice." The president highlighted the partnership as a driver of shared opportunities in technology and energy across the Atlantic.
Trump arrived back in Washington later Thursday and prepared to travel to Arizona for Kirk’s memorial, scheduled for Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. The venue seats about 63,400 people and can accommodate up to 73,000 for mega-events, according to stadium officials.
Charlie Kirk, 31, was killed Sept. 10 at Utah Valley University during his American Comeback Tour. Kirk’s death has raised questions about security at a high-profile political event and has drawn scrutiny of Trump’s security arrangements ahead of the memorial.
A senior administration official told Fox News Digital on Friday that federal law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, released a report cautioning that there are several threats of unknown credibility against Trump, Vice President JD Vance and others expected to attend Kirk’s memorial service. The assessment notes that a memorial of this size and profile could attract violent extremists or lone actors seeking to generate attention.
Trump said he expected to offer remarks at the service, telling reporters, "It’s going to be big. I’ll be at the stadium, and I guess I’ll say a few words. I don’t know, but I knew him very well. He was an amazing guy. He was all about young people and getting them started." The security context surrounding the event has become a focus for federal and local authorities amid concerns about possible threats.
Security officials have cautioned that the memorial could be a high-risk event, and federal agencies have said they are monitoring threats and coordinating with local authorities to ensure the safety of attendees, including high-profile political figures. In addition to the potential for threats at a high-visibility event, Trump’s own security history— including two assassination attempts in 2024— remains a factor for planners.
Trump’s public schedule in the coming days includes remarks at the memorial and private security briefings as authorities assess potential risks. The White House declined to provide additional detail on security measures beyond confirming the ongoing threat assessment and the presence of federal investigators working with local law enforcement.