King Charles III Rebukes Trump: "You Should Not Neglect an 80-Year Partnership"

Against the backdrop of cooling ties between the United States and Europe, King Charles III, who was visiting the U.S., highlighted the history and significance of the Atlantic alliance and called for closer cooperation among Western nations. U.S. President Donald Trump, who has often clashed with European leaders, called Charles "a great man" and stressed that the two countries are "the closest of friends."
According to CNN and other outlets, Charles delivered a joint address to both chambers of Congress in Washington, D.C., for about 30 minutes on the 28th. It was the first such address by a British monarch since his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, did so in 1991.
Charles mentioned NATO and stressed that "the partnership across the Atlantic is more important today than ever." He said, "The challenges we face are too great for any one nation to handle alone," adding that "our relationship is an indispensable partnership." He went on to say, "We must not neglect all that has sustained us over the past 80 years. We must build on it and take it further." Foreign media described the remarks as a pointed message to Trump, underscoring the importance of NATO and cooperation.
Charles also said that "the bond between our two nations is priceless and enduring." He added, "This year marks the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks," and said that after the attacks, NATO invoked Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty for the first time and the UNSC stood united against terrorism, and that Britain and the United States answered that call together. He continued, "We have stood shoulder to shoulder through two world wars, the Cold War, Afghanistan, and the moments that have defined our shared security," and argued that "that same resolve is needed to defend Ukraine and its brave people."
Charles also said he hoped that "our alliance, together with partners across Europe, the Commonwealth, and around the world, will continue to defend our shared values."
■ Controversy over Trump's "two kings" phrase
Trump held a private meeting with Charles III ahead of his address to Congress on the 28th. In his welcoming remarks before the meeting, he said, "For centuries, no one has been a closer friend to Americans than the British," adding, "We share the same roots, speak the same language, and stand for the same values." After the meeting, Trump told reporters, "It was a very good meeting."
At that day's state dinner, Trump brought up the Iran War and said, "We will never allow our enemies to have nuclear weapons. Charles feels the same way." He praised Charles III's speech as "fantastic" and said, "It even got the Democrats to stand up. I've never done that." Trump said the bilateral relationship was "a friendship unlike anything else on Earth." Charles III said he had come to the United States "to renew an indispensable alliance" and presented Trump with a bell used aboard the British submarine HMS Trump, which served during World War II.
Foreign media also noted that Trump violated royal protocol during his handshake with Charles III by pulling his hand and patting him on the shoulder. The Guardian reported that the British government had insisted on a private meeting to avoid Trump's unpredictable behavior in public.
Meanwhile, the White House posted a photo of Trump and Charles III on its X account on the 28th with the caption "two kings." Local media questioned the wording, noting that anti-Trump protesters have been demonstrating since last year under the slogan "No kings."
pjw@fnnews.com Park Jong-won Reporter