King Charles III Hosts Historic Second State Visit for Trump, Igniting Social Media Frenzy

 

On September 17, 2025, King Charles III welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump to Windsor Castle for a historic second state visit, a rare honor that sparked over 37,000 tweets in just half an hour. The lavish ceremony, blending royal tradition with geopolitical spectacle, captivated global audiences on X, where viral posts, memes, and debates over protocol fueled a digital storm. As the first elected leader in modern times to receive two such visits from a British monarch, Trump’s return underscored the enduring U.S.-UK “special relationship,” while King Charles’ poised hosting amid ongoing cancer treatment added poignancy to the day.
The event began at 11:00 AM GMT with a ceremonial welcome on Windsor Castle’s east lawn. King Charles and Queen Camilla greeted the Trumps, followed by an inspection of the Coldstream Guards and a carriage procession through the castle grounds, set to the Star-Spangled Banner. A dramatic flyover by nine RAF Red Arrows trailing red, white, and blue smoke, joined by U.S. F-35 jets, symbolized transatlantic unity, though blustery weather grounded some aircraft. Videos of the moment, like one from

@EricLDaugh

garnering 18,000 likes and 500,000 views, went viral, with the tweet proclaiming, “King Charles hosts President Trump… for historic 2nd state visit… First leader to get this honor twice!” The evening’s itinerary includes a state banquet and a Beating Retreat display, a 17th-century military ritual, reinforcing the visit’s grandeur.
The social media surge was driven by a mix of awe and controversy. Pro-Trump accounts, like

@AFpost

, hailed the event as “proof America commands respect,” while critics on X mocked Trump’s past protocol missteps, such as striding ahead of Charles during the guard inspection, echoing 2019 gaffes. A New York Post tweet about the pair “erupting with laughter” over a “silly joke” added levity, earning 9,000 views. Hashtags like #TrumpUKVisit and #WindsorFlyover trended globally, with “King Charles” hitting #3 in the U.S. and “Windsor” #1 in the UK. Piers Morgan’s quote, shared by

@RapidResponse47

with 20,000 views, called it an “unprecedented red carpet,” amplifying the buzz.
Beyond pageantry, the visit carries weight. Charles, an environmentalist, may push Trump to reconsider the U.S.’s January 2025 exit from the Paris Agreement, while trade and tech talks loom. Despite his cancer treatment since February 2024, Charles appeared robust, buoyed by a recent reunion with Prince Harry on September 10. Protests in London over Trump’s policies added tension, contrasting the castle’s opulence. The event, sparked by Charles’ February White House invitation, has cemented his diplomatic role, even as health challenges persist.
The viral X posts, from flyover clips to protocol jabs, reflect the event’s cultural and political resonance. As one user put it, “Charles rolling out the red carpet for Trump is peak 2025 chaos.” With the banquet unfolding, the tweet count is climbing, ensuring this historic day remains a global talking point.

Ben & Jerry's Co-Founder Resigns After Feud with Parent Unilever Over Gaza Conflict

 

Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, has resigned from the iconic ice cream brand after 47 years, citing irreconcilable tensions with its parent company, Unilever. The announcement, made on September 17, 2025, sparked a social media firestorm, with over 30,000 tweets mentioning Unilever within hours. Greenfield’s departure, rooted in disputes over the brand’s vocal support for Palestinian rights and opposition to the Gaza conflict, highlights a deepening rift between Ben & Jerry’s activist ethos and Unilever’s corporate oversight.
Greenfield, who launched Ben & Jerry’s with Ben Cohen in 1978, shared his resignation through a statement posted by Cohen on X at 3:55 AM GMT. He accused Unilever of stifling the brand’s social justice mission, particularly its stance on the "genocide in Gaza." When Unilever acquired Ben & Jerry’s in 2000, it agreed to an independent board to preserve the brand’s values. However, Greenfield claimed Unilever repeatedly overrode this autonomy, including blocking statements supporting Palestinians and halting sales in Israeli-occupied territories. “I can no longer in good conscience stay with a company being silenced on issues of human rights,” he wrote, prompting Cohen’s viral post to garner over 252,000 likes and 35,000 reposts.
This isn’t the first clash. In November 2024, Ben & Jerry’s sued Unilever for restricting its ability to comment on Gaza, followed by another lawsuit in April 2025 alleging Unilever fired CEO David Stever for backing the brand’s activism. These disputes underscore a broader conflict as Unilever prepares to spin off its ice cream division, including Ben & Jerry’s, into “The Magnum Ice Cream Company” by late 2025. Analysts suggest Unilever’s moves aim to neutralize the brand’s political voice, which has long championed causes from climate justice to racial equity.
The resignation ignited polarized reactions on X. Supporters, rallying under #FreeBenAndJerrys, praised Greenfield’s principled stand, with posts like “Unilever’s silencing Gaza support is diabolical—boycott their brands!” listing products like Dove and Hellmann’s. Progressive voices amplified calls for ethical consumption, while over 4,500 replies to Cohen’s post urged continued activism. Conversely, critics dismissed the move as “woke” posturing, with one user tweeting, “Ben & Jerry’s going broke over Gaza drama—Unilever’s better off without them.” The debate fueled global trends, with mentions of Unilever’s alleged “harm in Africa” and Cohen’s past protests, like confronting RFK Jr., resurfacing.
Unilever has remained silent on Greenfield’s exit but previously stated the ice cream demerger respects the 2000 agreement. The company’s stock (NYSE: UL) saw minor dips amid the controversy, reflecting investor unease. For Ben & Jerry’s, known for flavors like Cherry Garcia and a legacy of social advocacy, Greenfield’s departure marks a pivotal moment. His exit amplifies questions about corporate control versus brand identity, especially as the Gaza conflict remains a global flashpoint. As one X user put it, “Jerry’s legacy is bigger than Unilever’s bottom line.” With the demerger looming, the ice cream brand’s future—and its activist soul—hangs in the balance.

Brad Everett Young, Celebrity Photographer and Actor, Dies at 46

 

Brad Everett Young, a multifaceted talent known for his work as a celebrity photographer, actor, and advocate for arts education, has died at the age of 46. The news was reported on September 17, 2025, with Young succumbing to injuries sustained in a car crash. His passing leaves a void in Hollywood's creative circles, where he was celebrated for capturing the glamour of red carpets while championing underrepresented voices in the arts.
Born on July 24, 1979, in Danville, Virginia, Young grew up as the middle child of three siblings. He graduated from Chatham High School and later earned a Bachelor of Science from Averett University, minoring in journalism and psychology. During his college years, he honed his skills as a writer, photographer, and graphic designer for school publications, earning recognition in the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity's national magazine, The Star & Lamp. Initially drawn to medicine, Young moved to Los Angeles with plans to attend medical school. However, the allure of the entertainment industry proved irresistible, and he pivoted to pursue acting, a decision that would shape his career.
Young's acting journey began in the late 1990s, featuring in bit parts across television and film. He appeared in episodes of popular series such as Boy Meets World, Felicity, Grey's Anatomy, Numb3rs, Charmed, and 90210. On the big screen, he had roles in films including Love & Basketball (2000), Charlie's Angels (2000), Jurassic Park III (2001), I Love You, Man (2009), and The Artist (2011). One of his notable performances was as Winston in a 2017 adaptation of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Though often in supporting roles, Young's presence added authenticity to ensemble casts, reflecting his grounded Southern roots.
Parallel to acting, Young's passion for photography flourished. A familiar figure at premieres, galas, and awards shows, he built an impressive portfolio with contributions to prestigious outlets like The Hollywood Reporter, Vanity Fair, Vogue, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, People, and Variety. His lens captured intimate portraits of stars including David Harbour, Seth Green, Emma Caulfield Ford, Kevin Daniels, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Harvey Guillén. On Instagram (

@bradley206

), where he amassed over 2.3 million followers, Young shared his vibrant work, blending celebrity glamour with artistic vision. His Facebook page and Tumblr further showcased his behind-the-scenes world, from event snaps to personal reflections.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Young was a dedicated philanthropist. In 2010, he founded Dream Loud Official, a nonprofit aimed at restoring and preserving music and art programs in underfunded schools. As the organization's lead photographer, producer, and director, he channeled his talents into advocacy, emphasizing creativity's role in youth development. "Brad's passion for both the arts and the people behind them was unmatched," said a statement from collaborator Christensen. "He lived his mission of keeping creativity alive, and his legacy will continue through Dream Loud Official."
Young's sudden death has prompted tributes from peers, highlighting his warmth and generosity. Residing in Los Angeles until the end, he leaves behind a legacy of images that immortalize Hollywood's stars and a foundation that ensures the next generation's artistic dreams endure. At 46, Brad Everett Young's light burned brightly, illuminating the intersection of performance, visual art, and social good.