In a dramatic display that captured global attention, images of former U.S. President Donald Trump and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein were projected onto the historic walls of Windsor Castle on September 17, 2025. The stunt, timed with President Trump’s arrival for his second state visit to the United Kingdom, served as a potent visual protest, highlighting the controversial figures and their alleged ties.
The Stunt Unfolds at Windsor Castle
Just as President Trump was being formally welcomed by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle, a powerful video montage began to flash across one of the castle’s towers. The projection, which lasted for several minutes, featured a range of imagery, including Donald Trump’s mugshot, portraits of Jeffrey Epstein, newspaper headlines related to their association, and even footage of the two men dancing. The activist group Led By Donkeys claimed responsibility for the provocative display, describing it as a form of public journalism and a response to the high-profile state visit.
Thames Valley Police swiftly intervened, arresting four individuals in connection with the projection. Authorities classified the event as an “unauthorised projection” and a “public stunt,” with the arrests made on suspicion of “malicious communications.” A spokesperson for Led By Donkeys later characterized the arrests as “Orwellian” and “ridiculous,” asserting that their actions constituted peaceful protest through art and media.
Led By Donkeys: Masters of Viral Stunts
The group, Led By Donkeys, has become well-known for its impactful and often viral stunts targeting politicians and public figures through projections, billboards, and online campaigns. Their modus operandi involves using satire and prominent imagery to draw attention to perceived hypocrisies or controversial aspects of public life. This particular projection aimed to connect Trump’s visit with the ongoing scrutiny surrounding his past association with Jeffrey Epstein, a figure whose criminal activities have cast a long shadow.
Context: A State Visit Marked by Pomp and Protest
President Donald Trump’s three-day state visit to the UK, from September 16 to 18, 2025, was intended to underscore the “special relationship” between the United States and the United Kingdom. The visit included extensive pageantry, a state banquet at Windsor Castle, and crucial meetings with King Charles III and Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers. The government had meticulously planned the itinerary, in part, to manage potential protests and control the narrative around the visit.
However, the projections at Windsor Castle were just one facet of broader dissent. The visit itself was met with significant opposition, with polls indicating that Donald Trump remained a deeply unpopular figure among a majority of Britons.
Broader Protest Landscape
Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of London and Windsor to voice their disapproval of Trump’s visit. Organized by groups like the Stop Trump Coalition, the protests ranged from marches in Parliament Square to smaller gatherings outside Windsor Castle. Attendees carried banners with slogans such as “No to racism, no to Trump” and revived miniature versions of the “Trump baby blimp,” a symbol from his 2019 visit.
These demonstrations often focused on a range of issues, including Trump’s rhetoric, policies, and his controversial links to Jeffrey Epstein. The timing of the visit also coincided with the sacking of the UK’s ambassador to the US, Peter Mandelson, over his own past association with Epstein, adding another layer of controversy to the news coverage.
Implications and the Unfolding Story
The projection stunt served as a powerful reminder of the persistent scrutiny surrounding Trump’s past connections, a topic the British government had reportedly sought to downplay during the state visit. The event ensured that the Epstein scandal remained a central part of the news narrative surrounding the trip, despite official efforts to focus on diplomacy and trade.
Led By Donkeys stated that their aim was to “tell the story” of Trump’s relationship with Epstein, viewing their projection as a piece of journalism. The top news outlets across the globe covered the incident, underscoring its trending status and the enduring public interest in the nexus of politics, power, and scandal. The incident highlights the evolving landscape of political protest, where digital and visual stunts can quickly gain viral traction and significantly shape public perception of major international events.
