President Trump expressed enthusiasm on Friday about the idea of the United States joining the British Commonwealth, following a report claiming that King Charles III would extend an offer for U.S. membership.
“I love King Charles,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, sharing a link to an article citing a report that suggested the monarch might propose that the U.S. become an associate member of the Commonwealth during Trump’s upcoming second state visit to the U.K. “Sounds good to me!” Trump added.
Later on Saturday morning, Trump reposted the same report regarding the king’s supposed “secret” offer of Commonwealth membership. The British Commonwealth, established in 1926, consists of 56 countries, including Australia and Canada, many of which were former British colonies. The monarch serves as the head of the Commonwealth, an institution that was a key focus of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. Membership is voluntary.
Before winning independence in the Revolutionary War, the U.S. was part of the British Empire. India was the first nation to decide to remain within the Commonwealth after gaining independence in 1947. Trump, who had a friendly relationship with the late Queen Elizabeth, often spoke highly of her.
“I got to know her very well, and, you know, I got to know her in her ’90s, OK, but she was great,” Trump told Fox News’ Mark Levin in 2023. “This is a woman … 75 years she reigned, and she never made a mistake.”
Trump has also praised King Charles and the heir to the throne, Prince William, with whom he met in Paris in December. However, he has been more critical of Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle. Trump is set to meet King Charles later this year during a rare second state visit, following his first visit in 2019, when he also met with Queen Elizabeth and Charles.
The Commonwealth membership idea was reportedly first discussed during Trump’s first term, with hopes that it could ease tensions between the U.S. and Canada amid trade disagreements and tariff threats. A member of the Royal Commonwealth Society told the Daily Mail, “This is being discussed at the highest levels. It would be a wonderful move that would symbolize Britain’s close relationship with the U.S.”
The source added, “Donald Trump loves Britain and has great respect for the royal family, so we believe he would see the benefits of this. Associate membership could, hopefully, lead to full membership, making the Commonwealth an even more significant global organization.”
In late February, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer presented Trump with an invitation from King Charles for a second state visit during their meeting in the Oval Office. “I think that just symbolizes the strength of the relationship between us. This is a very special letter. I think the last state visit was a tremendous success,” Starmer said. “His Majesty the King wants to make this even better than that.” Trump replied, “The answer is yes. 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.”
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