What caused controversy

Q Was a UK trip definitely going ahead?

A Mrs May controversially extended the offer of a state visit when she became the first world leader to meet Mr Trump in the White House following his inauguration last year. Since then, however, the president has indicated he does not want to take up the invitation if he is going to face mass demonstrations.

Q Was the Obama administration responsible for selling off the embassy?

A The decision was taken by the Bush Government in 2008 – the year Barack Obama was elected. Thenpresident George W Bush cited security as the main reason for the sale, while US officials said it would have taken several years and hundreds of millions of dollars to bring the Grade II-listed London Chancery Building up to scratch.

Q Was it sold for ‘peanuts’?

A The building was leased to the US embassy from the Grosvenor Estate under a peppercorn long-term lease. It was then sold in 2009 to a Qatari government investment fund, which plans to turn it into a hotel. The price has not been revealed.

Q Is the new location ‘off’?

A While it does not hold the history of the Mayfair site, which was home in some form to the Americans for two centuries, a multibillionpound redevelopment is currently transforming the area surrounding the new building.The capital’s political heart is just minutes away.