John Bolton, a former national security adviser to President Donald Trump, has revealed the advice he has been giving to other nations when they find themselves at odds with the divisive American leader. Speaking as King Charles continues his inaugural state visit to the United States, Bolton suggested that countries with functioning monarchies should invite Trump for a state visit to ease diplomatic tensions.
Bolton's Advice to Monarchies
In an interview with The Times' The Royals podcast, Bolton stated: 'I have advised other countries that have monarchs that if they run into trouble with Trump they should really invite Trump for a state visit to meet their king or queen and have them come over here.' He added that this approach worked with the Emperor of Japan during Trump's state visit there when Bolton served in the White House.
Bolton's comments come amid growing concerns over Trump's NATO-sceptic stance, as he has repeatedly questioned the disparity between US spending on the alliance compared to other European members. This widening rift has left world leaders trying to placate Trump while preparing for a future where America may no longer guarantee their security.
Implications for European Monarchies
If Bolton's assessment proves accurate, countries such as Spain, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Belgium could gain an additional advantage as Trump grows increasingly hostile towards Europe. These nations, all with functioning monarchies, might leverage state visits to improve relations with the US president.
King Charles and Queen Camilla's current state visit to the USA has drawn considerable attention to the so-called Special Relationship between the UK and the US. A recent Ipsos poll indicated that nearly half of Britons believe there is no 'Special Relationship,' with 48 percent of those surveyed stating it does not exist.
Public Opinion on the Special Relationship
Gideon Skinner, Senior Director of UK Politics at Ipsos, commented on the poll results, noting a major shift in British attitudes towards the US over the past year. 'British attitudes towards the relationship with the US have seen significant fluctuation over the last 12 months, but since the start of the Iran conflict belief in the special relationship has deteriorated rapidly to a new low,' he said.
Skinner added that public opinion towards King Charles' state visit is split, with as many in favour as against. This may partly reflect uncertainty over its likely impact, with 4 in 10 believing it will make little difference to the state of the US-UK relationship. However, very few think it will have a clearly negative effect, and 1 in 3 are more hopeful, especially among Conservative and Reform UK voters, who are more supportive of the visit.
