It’s been a turbulent stretch for the Trump family lately.
After a suspected assassination incident and a high-profile clash involving Jimmy Kimmel, the White House is once again in the spotlight — this time hosting a major state visit.
It has been a tense and dramatic period in Washington after a gunman allegedly attempted to breach security at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday. Early indications suggest he may have intended to target members of the Trump administration, including the president himself.
But the alleged assassination attempt did not lead Trump to cancel the high-profile meeting with King Charles and Queen Camilla. The visit has been described as one of the most significant of Charles’ reign, coming at a sensitive time for UK–US relations.
“This shooting…”
Trump has previously criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer, calling him “not Winston Churchill” and describing the UK’s stance on Iran as “terrible.”
The royal couple are set to spend four days in the US, beginning with a tea meeting with Donald and Melania Trump at the White House, where they were greeted on the South Lawn in full view of the cameras.
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During the meeting, Trump and the King exchanged small talk while posing for photographs in the sunshine. According to lip reader Nicola Hickling, speaking to the Daily Mail, the conversation quickly turned serious.
She claimed Trump said: “This shooting…”
The King allegedly replied: “I’d rather not stand about here too long. I feel I shouldn’t be here.”
Trump is then said to have asked: “It’s not a good thing.”
He reportedly continued: “I wasn’t prepared but now I am prepared.”
The conversation then shifted to global issues, with Trump allegedly adding: “He wants war,” referring to the Russian president.
The King is said to have responded: “We will discuss that later.”
Trump reportedly persisted: “I’ve got a feeling… if he did what he said, he will wipe out the population.”
Charles again attempted to move on, saying: “Another time.”
Trump eventually changed tone and turned to lighter topics, including plans for a White House ballroom renovation.
“You can see right through there. Right the way through to the ballroom. Would you like to see?” he said.
The King responded: “I’m sure you shall show us.”
Trump concluded: “That’s right, you’re right.”
