President Trump Welcomes Idea of U.S. Joining the British Commonwealth
In a surprising and potentially historic development, President Donald Trump has expressed strong support for the idea of the United States joining the British Commonwealth. The proposal, reportedly floated by King Charles III, has sparked widespread interest and speculation about the future of U.S.-U.K. relations.
On Friday, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to share his thoughts on the matter. “I love King Charles,” Trump wrote, linking to a Daily Mail article that claimed the monarch would secretly offer the U.S. associate membership in the Commonwealth during Trump’s upcoming second state visit to Britain. “Sounds good to me!” Trump added, signaling his openness to the idea. He reposted the same report on Saturday, reiterating his enthusiasm.
A Royal Proposal
The British Commonwealth, established in 1926, is a voluntary association of 56 nations, most of which were formerly part of the British Empire. The organization, which includes countries like Australia, Canada, and India, is headed by the British monarch. While the U.S. has not been part of the British Empire since gaining independence in 1776, the prospect of associate membership has raised intriguing questions about the future of transatlantic ties.
According to the Daily Mail, the idea of U.S. membership was first discussed during Trump’s first term and has resurfaced as a way to strengthen diplomatic and economic relations between the U.S. and Commonwealth nations, particularly Canada. “This is being discussed at the highest levels,” a member of the Royal Commonwealth Society told the Daily Mail. “It would be a wonderful move that would symbolize Britain’s close relationship with the U.S. Donald Trump loves Britain and has great respect for the royal family, so we believe he would see the benefits of this.”
A Warm Relationship with the Royal Family
Trump’s relationship with the British royal family has been a notable aspect of his political career. He has often spoken highly of the late Queen Elizabeth II, describing her as a remarkable leader who “never made a mistake” during her 75-year reign. Trump also shares a cordial relationship with King Charles III and Prince William, whom he met during his first state visit to the U.K. in 2019 and again in Paris in December 2023.
However, Trump has been less complimentary about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, whose departure from royal duties and subsequent public criticisms of the monarchy have drawn his ire.
A Second State Visit on the Horizon
Trump’s second state visit to Britain, scheduled for later this year, is expected to be a high-profile affair. The invitation was formally extended by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a meeting at the White House on February 27. “His majesty the king wants to make this even better than that,” Starmer said, referring to Trump’s first state visit in 2019.
Trump accepted the invitation with characteristic enthusiasm. “The answer is yes,” he declared. “On behalf of our wonderful first lady Melania and myself, the answer is yes, and we look forward to being there and honoring the king and honoring, really, your country. Your country is a fantastic country.”
Implications of Commonwealth Membership
While the idea of the U.S. joining the Commonwealth is still in its early stages, it has already sparked debate about its potential implications. Proponents argue that associate membership could strengthen diplomatic ties, foster economic cooperation, and enhance cultural exchange between the U.S. and Commonwealth nations. Critics, however, question the relevance of such a move for a nation that has long prided itself on its independence.
For now, the proposal remains a topic of discussion, with no formal steps taken toward U.S. membership. Nevertheless, Trump’s positive response has added a new dimension to the ongoing dialogue about the future of U.S.-U.K. relations.
As the world watches closely, one thing is certain: the prospect of the United States joining the British Commonwealth is a fascinating and unprecedented idea that could reshape the geopolitical landscape in unexpected ways.
