Donald Trump's Republican Party risked derailing the King's state visit to the US by posting an AI doctored image of the King wearing a MAGA hat. The embarrassing image was posted on X by @Republicans, the official account of Trump's party, just hours before the King returns to the White House for a state dinner.
The image was published in response to a post from the White House which read: 'THE BRITISH ARE COMING'. It is an altered version of a photo from earlier in the day, when King Charles and Queen Camilla were given a ceremonial welcome at the White House. State visits are carefully planned to avoid the King being drawn into political arguments or showing preference for one party over another.
The post was made shortly after the King gave a speech to both houses of Congress, which was interrupted 13 times with applause from the members present. The post prompted outraged comments on X, with one user saying: 'This is completely wrong. His Majesty is apolitical.' Another said it was 'so inappropriate.'
King Charles and Queen Camilla were given a huge ceremonial reception on the grounds of the White House this afternoon, complete with brass bands and a military inspection. But behind the pomp and ceremony, huge cranes were seen in motion throughout the arrival. The New York Times reported that the sounds of construction for the ballroom, intended to replace the East Wing of the iconic building—which Trump demolished to the shock of many in Washington—were still audible while Trump was giving his speech.
Trump's speech welcoming King Charles saw him largely on his best behaviour, mostly sticking to prepared remarks. His tone was noticeably different on the subject of cooperation between the UK and US armed forces in World War II. 'Together our warriors have defended the same extraordinary civilisation under twin banners of red, white and blue,' Trump said in his speech outside the White House. This is slightly more respectful of the UK's contribution than his remarks last May, when he said: 'We did more than any other Country, by far, in producing a victorious result on World War II...We won both Wars, nobody was close to us in terms of strength, bravery, or military brilliance.'
