Trump’s “Unbelievable” Praise for King Charles Masks Deeper Corruption and Self-Interest

Donald Trump recently met with royal biographer Robert Hardman during the British King and Queen’s U.S. state visit, delivering a rare burst of praise for King Charles and his family. According to Hardman, Trump described the visit as “unbelievable” and called King Charles “a great guy.” He also complimented Prince William and Princess Kate, saying William “will be a good King” and praising Kate’s bravery after public scrutiny.

At first glance, this might seem like a benign exchange between a former president and a royal author. But it fits a familiar pattern of Trump leveraging high-profile encounters to polish his image and distract from his ongoing scandals. The same man who claims to admire royal dignity has repeatedly used the presidency as a personal cash register, most notoriously at Mar-a-Lago, where access and influence were openly sold to the highest bidders.

Trump’s enthusiasm for the British royals is no accident. It’s a strategic move to associate himself with respected institutions abroad while his own legacy is marred by corruption, classified document scandals, and attacks on democratic norms at home. His gushing comments about the royal family’s “success” in the U.S. serve as a smokescreen for his own failures and abuses of power.

Robert Hardman’s account also reveals Trump’s thin-skinned nature. When reminded of Queen Elizabeth II’s reportedly “charming” and “amusing” impression of him during a previous state visit, Trump retorted, “I’ve had better... and I’ve certainly had worse.” This defensive posture underscores a man more concerned with personal image than public service.

The invitation extended to Prince William and Princess Kate to visit the White House this summer could be another opportunity for Trump to exploit symbolic gestures for his own benefit. But Americans should see through the pageantry. While Trump praises royals and their “bravery,” he continues to undermine the very democratic principles that make such visits meaningful.

This episode is not just a footnote in celebrity gossip. It’s a reminder that Trump’s public displays of admiration often cloak a relentless pursuit of personal enrichment and power. As we track his ongoing abuses, it’s crucial to hold him accountable beyond the soundbites and photo ops. Because in Trump’s world, every “unbelievable” compliment is just another transaction in a long ledger of corruption.