THERESA May yesterday rolled out the red carpet for Donald Trump with a massive gala dinner at one of Britain's most historic homes.

The PM welcomed the US President and his wife Melania to Churchill's birthplace, Blenheim Palace.

56 Donald Trump and Theresa May with their spouses at Blenheim Palace Credit: Getty Images - Getty

The pair were joined by dozens of businessmen and other dignitaries as Mrs May made a pitch for an ambitious free-trade deal with the US.

The meeting happened just hours before The Sun published a world exclusive interview with the President where he warned Mrs May might have killed off a trade deal with the USA over her plans for Brexit.

Mr Trump also revealed Mrs May ignored his advice over negotiations with Europe, saying: "I actually told Theresa May how to do it but she didn’t agree, she didn’t listen to me."

Earlier today, Mr Trump flew in to Stansted Airport - greeted by a military guard of honour - before heading to London for talks with the American ambassador.

56 The Trumps and the Mays at Blenheim Palace this evening Credit: Pixel8000

56 The President and the PM walked across the house's courtyard together Credit: Reuters

56 Credit: Reuters

Mrs May, who was wearing a diabetic patch on her arm, held hands with Mr Trump in scenes reminiscent of their first meeting 56 Credit: EPA

Mr Trump led Mrs May up the Blenheim stairsHe then took a helicopter to Blenheim, in Oxfordshire, to be met with the full pomp of the British state on the first evening of his historic tour of the country.

The President was dressed in smart black tie for the event this evening, while Melania donned a glamorous off-the-shoulder lemon dress.

The Trumps were greeted in the courtyard by Mrs May - dressed in red - and her husband Philip for the dinner in the President's honour.

Mr Trump and Mrs May clasped each other by the hands in scenes reminiscent of their first meeting at the White House last year.

They then stood on the steps of the house and watched as a military band played to welcome the President.

The bands of the Scots Guards, Welsh Guards and Irish Guards played music including Amazing Grace in front of the VIP crowd.

After the performance was over, the leaders applauded before going in for dinner.

President Donald Trump and Melania Trump depart for dinner with PM Theresa May at Blenheim Palace

56 The two leaders warmly greeted one another Credit: AFP

56 Mr Trump smiles at his wife while they listen to the band Credit: Reuters

56 The PM and her husband Philip walking out to meet the Trumps Credit: Reuters

56 The Mays waiting for the arrival of the President Credit: Reuters

56 The UK's First Couple waiting for their American counterparts Credit: EPA

Trump's Europe visit so far:

Other guests at the event, which was formally hosted by the Duke of Marlborough who owns the property, included a number of senior ministers. Chancellor Philip Hammond, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson and Trade Secretary Liam Fox were all there. Mrs May's diabetes monitor could be seen on her arm as she welcomed the President. The small patch constantly monitors the PM's blood sugar and alerts her if it's getting too high or low, allowing Mrs May to take action. The Prime Minister was diagnosed with diabetes six years ago and has been open about her struggle with the condition. During dinner, Mrs May made an impassioned speech asking Mr Trump to move quickly to cut a trade deal with Britain after Brexit. 56 Mrs May met Mr Trump as soon as he stepped out of his car Credit: EPA 56 They watched as the band of the Scots, Welsh and Irish Guards played Credit: AFP 56 The President and PM shared a joke on the steps Credit: AFP 56 The Trumps and Mays applauded at the end of the performance Credit: AFP or licensors 56 The two couples then went up to dinner together Credit: Getty Images - Getty 56 Mrs May gave a speech welcoming the President Credit: AFP 56 Melania Trump in a glamorous yellow dress Credit: AFP or licensors She said: "There are thousands of British employers with a long-term presence in the US, providing well-paid work and driving economic growth in every state. "Altogether, from Maine to Alaska, more than a million Americans work for British companies. "Now, as we prepare to leave the European Union, we have an unprecedented opportunity to do more. "It’s an opportunity to reach a free trade agreement that creates jobs and growth here in the UK and right across the United States." The guests dined on Scottish salmon then beef, followed by strawberries and clotted cream ice cream. After dinner, Mr Trump was scheduled to go on a tour of the house's Winston Churchill exhibition, in the company of the Duke of Marlborough. 56 Donald and Melania Trump on their way to have dinner at Blenheim Palace Credit: Reuters 56 The couple left Winfield House in London on their way to Blenheim Palace Credit: Reuters 56 The couple walked through the ambassador's garden on their way to a waiting helicopter Credit: Reuters 56 The Trumps took their official helicopter, Marine One, for the trip to Blenheim Credit: AFP 56 US Marines saluted the President and First Lady as they boarded Credit: Reuters 56 Marine One pictured as it set off from Winfield House Credit: Alamy Live News Mr Trump arrived at Stansted Airport near London on Air Force One at 2pm today, accompanied by his wife and a huge entourage. The couple were met by US ambassador Woody Johnson, the Trade Secretary Liam Fox and a military guard, before being whisked away on a helicopter which was waiting on the Tarmac. Their first stop was the ambassador's official residence in London, Winfield House, which has been surrounded by an ultra-secure ring of steel to keep out protesters. They then took a helicopter to Blenheim Palace for the gala dinner. US President Donald Trump lands at Stansted Airport for the start of his three-day visit to the UK

56 Donald and Melania Trump flanked by troops during their official welcome to the UK today Credit: Reuters

56 Donald Trump arriving at Stansted Airport this afternoon 56 Donald and Melania Trump alighting from Air Force One Credit: AFP 56 A US military helicopter passing the BT Tower Credit: London News Pictures 56 Donald and Melania Trump leaving Marine One after it landed in London Credit: AP:Associated Press 56 The President, First Lady and US ambassador at Winfield House in London Credit: AFP 56 Mr Trump flew in from Brussels with his wife Melania 56 The couple were met with a military guard at the airport near London, as well as Trade Secretary Liam Fox, centre, and the Lord Lieutenant of Essex Jennifer Tolhurst, right Credit: Getty Images - Getty The trip is not a full-blown state visit - but it will see the President meet the Queen for the first time and feature a tour of historic homes around the UK. Mr Trump has dismissed the possibility of having his trip seriously disrupted by leftie activists - insisting he's actually very popular in Britain. Asked if he was worried about the protests, he replied: "I think it's fine. I think they like me a lot in the UK. "I think they agree with me on immigration. I am very strong on immigration." 56 The band which played at Blenheim Palace Credit: Getty Images - Getty 56 Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt and his wife Lucia going in to Blenheim Palace Credit: PA:Press Association 56 Other dignitaries at the dinner included Trade Secretary Liam Fox Credit: PA:Press Association 56 Chancellor Philip Hammond awaiting Trump's arrival Credit: Reuters 56 Police checked cars entering Blenheim Palace Credit: Alamy Live News 56 The palace is home to the Duke of Marlborough and his family Credit: AFP This morning, Mr Trump spoke out against Mrs May's Brexit plan which she crafted at Chequers - saying, "I don’t know if that’s what they voted for". Speaking at a Nato summit in Brussels before he jumped on his official plane, he made it clear he doesn't approve of Mrs May's "soft Brexit" compromise. Mr Trump told a press conference: "Well Brexit is, I’ve been reading a lot about Brexit over the last couple of days. "And it seems to be turning a little bit differently, where they’re getting at least partially involved back with the European Union." A journalist then asked if he was backing a “hard Brexit”, but the president misheard – thinking he had asked if it was “heart-breaking”, he replied: “That might be going a little too far!” Donald Trump slams Theresa May’s Chequers plan for Brexit 56 Air Force One touches down with the President on board Credit: AFP or licensors 56 Donald Trump's plane on the Tarmac at Stansted Airport today Credit: Reuters 56 Marine One taking off from Stansted 56 The military honour guard waiting for the Trumps 56 Marine One flying over Regent's Park in London 56 A security officer helping to guard the visit Credit: AFP or licensors 56 The whole trip is surrounded by intense security Credit: AFP Picking it up the theme he mused: “Is it heart-breaking? A lot of things are heart-breaking, no what I would say is that ‘Brexit is Brexit’. “You know when you use the term ‘hard Brexit’ that’s what I assume that you mean. “The people voted to break it up so I would imagine that what they’ll do, but maybe they’re taking a little bit of a different route. “So, I don’t know if that’s what they voted for.” He added: “I just want the people to be happy, they’re great people.” 56 Protesters waiting to greet the President at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire Credit: PA:Press Association 56 Trump fans turned out to Blenheim to counter protesters Credit: Getty Images - Getty 56 Donald Trump criticised Theresa May’s Chequers plan for Brexit just hours before he arrives in the UK Credit: Reuters 56 The President has dropped a hand grenade into the Prime Minister’s plans Credit: AP 56 The two leaders at the Nato summit yesterday Credit: Reuters 56 Full details of Trump's visit to the UK

56 Thousands of soldiers, elite cops and armoured vehicles will be used to protect Trump next week

Trump brushes off UK protests saying 'I think they like me a lot in the UK'

Great to catch up with the US Ambassador to the UK earlier today while waiting for President Trump @woodyjohnson4 @USAmbUK @WhiteHouse pic.twitter.com/QjpXXmthAN — Dr Liam Fox MP #LiamFoxForWTO (@LiamFox) July 12, 2018

Mr Trump's comments came as the UK Government prepared to publish a long-awaited white paper laying out its negotiating position in upcoming talks with Brussels.

The paper fleshes out Mrs May's proposals agreed by the Cabinet at her country home of Chequers last week, which would see the UK keep existing European rules on goods, as well as creating a tariff-free customs zone between Britain and the EU.

The plans were intended to unite the Tories - but instead they led to the resignation of senior ministers Boris Johnson and David Davis.

The PM now faces a mass rebellion from her own MPs, with Brexit backers furious at what they see as a sellout of her previous promises.

56 US Marine helicopters on the Tarmac at Stansted Airport waiting for his arrival

56 Mr Trump's motorcade on its way to the airport in Brussels for his flight to Britain Credit: REUTERS

56 Yesterday a motorcade was delivered to Prestwick Airport near Glasgow, where Mr Trump is going this weekend Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

Asked about Mr Trump's criticism, a spokesman for Mrs May said: "The plan that we have put forward we believe is what people voted for and takes back control of our money, laws and borders, and allows us to strike free trade deals around the world."

The Prime Minister plans to confront the President tomorrow and will try to win him round to backing the Chequers plan.

Mr Trump's press conference followed a Nato summit where he declared victory in his mission to persuade European leaders they need to spend more cash on defence.

The President said the US could leave the alliance if other countries' don't live up to their commitments to spend at least 2 per cent of GDP on the military.

56 Police guarding the ring of steel around the US ambassador's home in London Credit: Getty Images - Getty

56 The President will be heading to Blenheim Palace tonight Credit: PA:Press Association

MOST READ IN POLITICS: furlough 2.0 Rishi announces furlough plan where workers get 77% pay for doing 1/3 hours Latest 'PERILOUS POINT' PM warns stricter rules likely to last 6 MONTHS ruining Xmas for millions ROAD TO WIGAN FEAR Stockport and Wigan could face fresh coronavirus lockdown rules in days REALITY CHEQUE Chancellor admits new £5bn furlough plan won't stop mass job losses WINTER COMING England may have to ban home visits too as SAGE adviser warns lockdown coming CONFLICT OF INTEREST Sir Patrick Vallance has £600k of shares in vaccine maker GSK

Among the demonstrations being planned for his visit is a giant blimp showing Mr Trump as a baby, which was controversially approved by London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

Tomorrow Mr Trump and Mrs May will visit the Sandhurst military academy and hold talks at her country home, Chequers.

He will then have tea with the Queen at Windsor Castle, before heading to Scotland where he'll spend the weekend at his Turnberry golf course in Ayrshire.

The full schedule for Donald Trump's visit Thursday: Donald Trump visits US ambassador at Winfield House in London

Theresa May hosts President Trump and the First Lady for a black tie dinner at Blenheim Palace

Military ceremony

Dinner with top business bosses, tech leaders and defence chiefs

Royal Regiment of Scotland perform for the President

President and First Lady stay overnight at Winfield House Friday: Donald Trump and Theresa May visit Sandhurst defence site

Lunch at talks between the two leaders at Chequers

May and Trump hold a press conference

President and First Lady visit the Queen at Windsor Castle for tea

The couple then travel to Scotland Saturday: President and First Lady travel spend the weekend north of the border - where he will visit his Turnberry golf course and hotel

Sunday: President Trump travels to Helsinki for a summit with Russia's President Putin on Monday

Huge convoy filmed as UK gears up for arrival of US President Donald Trump

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online politics team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours