WASHINGTON — President Trump reacted warmly Friday to a report the US could be offered “associate membership” in the British Commonwealth.
“I Love King Charles. Sounds good to me!” the president wrote on Truth Social, linking to a report by The Sun that a proposal could be made by the monarch when Trump makes a state visit to the UK later this year.
The Commonwealth of Nations, established in 1926, has 56 member states, the vast majority of which are former colonies of the British Empire. Among its members are Australia, Canada, India, Kenya, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa.
Member states have no legal obligation to one another, though citizenship in one Commonwealth country does provide benefits in the UK — including the right to live, travel, study or work for up to six months without the need to apply for a visa beforehand.
The Daily Mail reported Thursday that the idea of offering America Commonwealth membership was being “discussed at the highest levels.”
“It would be a wonderful move that would symbolise [sic] Britain’s close relationship with the US,” a source told the outlet.
“Donald Trump loves Britain and has great respect for the Royal Family, so we believe he would see the benefits of this.”
The Sun report suggested that the offer is also seen as a possible way to ease tensions between the US and Canada over escalating tariffs — with more due to take effect April 2.
British Prime Minister Kier Starmer presented Trump with a letter from Charles when Starmer visited the White House Feb. 27, during which the PM extended the offer of the unprecedented second state visit.
“This is really special. This has never happened before. This is unprecedented, and I think that just symbolizes the strength of the relationship between us,” Starmer said.
Trump quickly accepted the invite, telling Starmer: “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, and it’ll be our honor to be there.”
The US unilaterally declaring independence from Britain in 1776, and securing its independence via the Treaty of Paris seven years later following a bloody war, would not be an obstacle to membership.
Charles III became head of the Commonwealth upon the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on Sept. 8, 2022. Despite the royal leadership role, 36 of the Commonwealth’s 56 members are republics, most notably India.
