Tommy Robinson, UK far-right activist, holds discussions with Trump administration
The far-right British activist Tommy Robinson, who recently left the UK citing Islamic State death threats, has been hosted at the U.S. State Department in Washington, in a move that has ignited controversy and drawn sharp criticism from political figures.
On February 25, 2026, Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was hosted by Joe Rittenhouse, a senior adviser in the State Department’s Consular Affairs bureau. Rittenhouse posted on X that he was “Honoured to have free speech warrior @TRobinsonNewEra at Department of State today,” adding that “the world and the West is a better place when we fight for freedom of speech.” Robinson, the co-founder of the English Defence League, responded on X, stating he had the “privilege of an invite” and was “making alliances & friendships.”
A State Department spokesperson told Reuters that Robinson visited “in an unofficial capacity on a tour today,” but declined to provide details on who else he met, what was discussed, or the objective. Photographs posted by Rittenhouse show Robinson in the department’s John Quincy Adams State Drawing Room, one of its diplomatic reception rooms.
The engagement aligns with the Trump administration’s broader promotion of “free speech” in Europe and criticism of perceived online censorship. This is reflected in the U.S. State Department’s 2024 human rights report, which criticised the UK for “serious restrictions on freedom of expression.”
Robinson’s visit follows his recent departure from Britain. Earlier in February 2026, he stated he had left the country after police warned him of intelligence that he was named in a magazine called Yalghaar, which is reportedly published by Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP). ISKP is an affiliate of the Islamic State active in Central and South Asia, with concerns about its expanding reach to American and European soil. Robinson posted a clip of a police call to his X account and expressed fears for his and his family’s safety, suggesting a potential relocation.
The activist has a history of criminal convictions, including for assault, using a fake passport, mortgage fraud, and contempt of court for repeating false allegations against a Syrian refugee. He has served multiple prison sentences.
In a recent legal case, Robinson was cleared in November 2025 of a terror-related offence. The charge stemmed from his refusal to grant police access to his phone during a border stop in Folkestone, Kent, in July 2024. The judge ruled that police acted unlawfully by targeting Robinson based on his political beliefs without sufficient evidence. After his acquittal, Robinson thanked the tech billionaire Elon Musk, who he said had funded his legal costs. Robinson claimed the bills amounted to nearly £100,000, and Musk has also reinstated Robinson’s X account and publicly expressed support for him.
Robinson had previously been denied entry to the United States during Donald Trump’s first presidency due to his criminal record and past issues with passport usage.
The State Department’s hosting of Robinson has been condemned by critics. Maggie Chapman, a Scottish Green MSP, told The National that the Trump administration welcoming Robinson would be “deeply alarming.” She said: “This is a man who has built his profile on division, racism and Islamophobia, and whose politics are rooted in the most vile hatred and fascism.” Chapman added that instead of rolling out the red carpet for extremists, efforts should focus on international legislation to tackle hate, defend human rights, and build inclusive democracies.
The State Department’s engagement with civil society and human rights defenders is a stated component of U.S. foreign policy, though the nature of this engagement with a figure like Robinson is contested by those who argue it legitimises extremism.
