Donald Trump made an awkward joke about his marriage to Melania during King Charles' state visit to the White House, telling the 56-year-old first lady that their union would not last as long as his parents' 63-year marriage.
Trump's Joke on the South Lawn
The 79-year-old US president addressed guests on the South Lawn yesterday, reflecting on his father Fred's long marriage to his mother, Mary Anne. Looking briefly at Melania, Trump said: "That's a record we won't be able to match, darling. I'm sorry, it's just not going to work out that way. We'll do well, but we're not going to do that well."
The comment came just days after Trump called for late-night host Jimmy Kimmel to lose his job over a joke about Melania being an "expectant widow"—a remark made before the failed assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents' gala. Critics noted the similarity between Kimmel's gag and Trump's own quip.
Light-Hearted Atmosphere Despite Political Tensions
The joke was one of several light-hearted exchanges between Trump and King Charles during the visit, which aimed to ease tensions following recent political rows over the Iran war. King Charles also injected humour into his address to Congress, assuring lawmakers he was "not here as part of some cunning rearguard action"—a reference to the American Revolution—drawing laughter from members.
At the state dinner later that evening, the King repeated the line: "King George never set foot in America and, please rest assured, I am not here as part of some cunning rearguard action."
Trump's Mother's 'Crush' on Charles
During his South Lawn speech, Trump recalled his mother's fondness for the royal family, particularly the late Queen Elizabeth II. He said: "My mother, I just see it so clearly, she loved, I told the King that she loved the royal family and she loved the Queen, and any time the Queen was involved in the ceremony or anything, my mother would be glued to the television, and she'd say 'look, Donald, look how beautiful that is.'"
He added: "She really did love the family but I also remember her saying very clearly, 'Charles, look young Charles, he's so cute.' My mother had a crush on Charles. Can you believe it, amazing how… I wonder what she's thinking right now?" The remark prompted a coy smile from the King.
Queen Camilla and Melania Trump were seen smiling throughout the speeches, maintaining a cordial atmosphere despite the awkward moments.
