King Charles Jokes Trump Would Speak French Without British Colonialism
At a White House state dinner on Tuesday, UK King Charles III playfully countered US President Donald Trump's previous jibes about European allies freeloading on defense. Charles referenced Trump's comment at the Davos summit in January that without US help in World War II, Europeans would be speaking German. The king retorted that without the British, Americans would be speaking French, alluding to colonial rivalries in North America before US independence 250 years ago. The exchange occurred during dinner toasts, with both leaders bonding over the 'special relationship' between London and Washington despite tensions over the war in Iran.
Key facts
- King Charles made the joke at a White House state dinner on Tuesday.
- He referenced Trump's earlier comment about Europeans speaking German without US help.
- Charles said Americans would be speaking French without the British.
- The joke alluded to British and French colonial rivalries in North America.
- Trump made his 'speaking German' comment at the Davos summit in January.
- The tone of the dinner was warm despite tensions over the war in Iran.
- Both leaders emphasized the 'special relationship' between the UK and US.
Entities
Institutions
- White House
- Davos
Locations
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Washington
- London
- North America
- Iran