British far-right activist Tommy Robinson hosted by Trump’s administration

The Trump administration just met with British far-right activist and convicted criminal Tommy Robinson.

The 43-year-old, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was welcomed by Joe Rittenhouse, an adviser at the state department, and Randy Fine, a Republican congressman, as part of a trip to Washington DC this week.

For those unfamiliar, Robinson is notorious in the UK for being accused of promoting hatred against Muslims and migrants, as well as being a cofounder of the now-defunct far-right group, the English Defence League.

He also has numerous criminal convictions, including for assault, using a fake passport, stalking, and contempt of court - he was released from prison in May 2025 after serving part of an 18-month sentence for the latter.

As we say, Robinson recently took a trip across the pond and posted on social media about 'making alliances and friendships' with members of the US Government.

He penned on X: “In America, making alliances & friendships, today I had the privilege of an invite to the @StateDept.”

Tommy Robinson has met with members of the Trump administration during a trip to the US (Leon Neal/Staff/ via Getty)

Meanwhile, Rittener, who is a senior adviser in the state department, wrote on X: "Honored to have free speech warrior @TRobinsonNewEra at Department of State today.

"The World and the West is a better place when we fight for freedom of speech, and no one has been on the front lines more than Tommy. Good to see you my friend!"

A spokesperson for the department reportedly told Reuters that Robinson's visit was 'in an unofficial capacity on a tour'.

Meanwhile, Congressman Fine said it was 'great to meet' the far-right activist, adding: "Thanks for leading the fight!" in a post on social media, alongside a photo of the two shaking hands.

According to The Telegraph, Robinson also met with Keith Self, another Republican congressman, and Gen Mike Flynn, the former national security adviser.

Self allegedly wrote on social media: "Great meeting with American Patriot [Gen Flynn] and British Patriot [Robinson] today. DEFEND WESTERN CIVILIZATION. BAN SHARIA."

The publication also reports that Robinson said he has talks scheduled with members of US President Donald Trump’s team.

In the photos shared by Rittenhouse on X, one picture shows Robinson looking at the objects in the Department's John Quincy Adams State Drawing Room - one of the department's diplomatic reception rooms.

One photo posted to social media showed Robinson looking at artefacts in a diplomatic reception room (X/Joe Rittenhouse)

The visit hasn't gone down well in the UK, where Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs spokesperson, MP Calum Miller, said that Trump's administration hosting Robinson should be a ‘wake-up call’.

As per Metro, he said: "The Government needs to include the US in their inquiry into foreign interference in UK politics.

"We cannot stand by while the likes of Trump and Musk meddle in our democracy."

In November, Robinson was cleared of a terror-related offence after he was accused over a refusal to give police access to his phone during a border stop in Kent.

After being acquitted, he thanked Tesla founder Elon Musk and announced that the billionaire had funded his legal costs in the case.

Meanwhile, Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman told The National that the Trump administration welcoming Robinson would be 'deeply alarming'.

The politician said: "When communities across the UK are facing rising levels of hate crime and far-right extremism, the idea that figures like Robinson are being treated as legitimate political actors by what are supposed to be our international allies, should concern us all."