Should America Join the Commonwealth? Trump Might View Himself as On Par with the King | US News

Donald Trump aims to reshape the global political landscape. His perspective appears to suggest that smaller nations—like Greenland, Ukraine, and Taiwan—should come under the influence of their powerful neighbors as the United States, Russia, and China extend their regional dominance.

This new geopolitical framework displays a ruthless logic, disregarding the ideals of democracy, sovereignty, co-habitation, national borders, and the fundamental rights of all nations, regardless of their size. It simply posits that power dictates morality. Mr. Trump perceives the United States as the strongest nation and is committed to Making America Great Again both domestically and internationally.

Flattering the presidency

This presents a daunting scenario for a mid-sized post-imperial nation like the United Kingdom. The leaders of Britain’s major political parties have opted to remain silent about any private concerns they may hold regarding the Trump administration’s objectives. Labour, the Conservatives, and Reform UK have all determined that appeasement is the most effective strategy for managing the new presidency.

This context clarifies the remarkable reports indicating that the King might invite the United States to join the Commonwealth as an associate member during Mr. Trump’s visit to Scotland later this year, aimed at planning his second official visit to the UK.

Mr. Trump has already expressed enthusiasm about the potential Commonwealth connection. “I love King Charles. Sounds good to me!” he stated on his Truth Social platform.

However, no formal invitation has been extended to the president. An “associate” membership to the organization does not actually exist. New members require the consent of all 56 existing member countries. The King, while he is the nominal head of the Commonwealth, does not hold the authority to make this decision, nor does the British government. Moreover, the organization is not called “the British Commonwealth” anymore.

Nevertheless, unusual occurrences are likely to happen again with Mr. Trump back in the White House.

The initial overture could simply be an invitation to join the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS), which describes itself as “a network of individuals and organizations dedicated to enhancing the lives and futures of Commonwealth citizens globally.”

The RCS had already extended such an invitation to Mr. Trump in 2017, shortly after his first election, with Nigel Farage delivering the letter in person. Like many organizations, the RCS is eager for growth and has also reached out to Ireland and Nordic nations.

However, neither Mr. Trump nor the British government would settle for something so insignificant. He is known for being a great disruptor, always seeking opportunities in any deal, and has a history of transforming ideas that once appeared ridiculous into reality.

Starmer government has ignored numerous issues

The prime minister made grand statements in the Oval Office regarding the “unprecedented,” “historic” second state visit invitation. Historically, most US presidents, including those who have been notable allies of this country, have not been granted one.

The Starmer government has opted not to criticize the Trump administration, overlooking a range of controversies, from the declaration of Canada as the 51st state to top officials not adhering to security protocols in a Signal phone group where they revealed disdain for “PATHETIC” European “freeloaders.” In stark contrast to their pro-American stance, ministers exhibit reluctance to foster closer relations with European nations.

This government’s subservience could manifest as an attempt to facilitate additional incentives for the US, such as deeper involvement in the Commonwealth, a diminishing remnant of UK soft power.

Trump as a potential successor to the King?

Mr. Trump would likely perceive any agreement as a takeover where he stands as an equal to the King and potentially his successor as the head of the Commonwealth. He may seek to transform the organization into a structure dominated by a so-called “White Commonwealth” over its other members.

This vision would resonate well with his ethno-nationalist supporters in the United States. It already reflects the outlook of some British advocates for American participation.

“A Commonwealth union—particularly a CANZUK union involving Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK—should be an undeniable cross-party consensus for Britain. What does the UK have to lose?” asks political commentator Jonathan Saxty in The Daily Express.

The integrity of this nation would be jeopardized. Only a truly “perfidious Albion” would permit Mr. Trump entry into the Commonwealth in hopes of curry favor.

The King would disapprove

The King, who has been trying to support Canada amidst Mr. Trump’s aggressive assertions, would likely be displeased. The foundation for Canada’s resistance would be severely undermined. All Commonwealth nations would find themselves faced with the choice of isolation or submission to Mr. Trump. Meanwhile, the US would aim to leverage historical British associations to counteract China’s expanding influence across Africa and Asia.

Some sectors in the UK are already inclined to align more closely with the US. However, not all factions that backed Mr. Trump are on board with his imperialistic ambitions.

America First isolationists have criticized him following his “sounds good” remark made on his Truth Social network. One commentator objected: “HELL NO!!! We left the UK & kicked their asses once, NEVER going back. Personally, I won’t associate with TYRANTS. All of their ‘commonwealth’ can F off, eh!!! SCUMBAGS!!!”

Another added: “No! King Charles has been a top player of WEF for years. He’s a globalist. Americans do not want to join their Commonwealth. The UK allowed itself to be overrun by Muslim invaders, and Charles has a ‘secret offer’ for you? Hard no from ALL your supporters!”

Alex Jones, the conspiracy theorist from Infowars, cautioned: “If you really try to make America join the British Commonwealth, 1776 will start all over again!” and added, “I love Trump overall…but sometimes he does the most terrible things.”

No indication Trump’s supporters are abandoning him

Regardless of whether his actions are seen as problematic, his supporters appear unwavering. As evidenced by their Signal chat, his closest aides continue to embrace his straightforward, extractive approach to foreign relations, asking, “What is the economic benefit for us?”

The British government must carefully consider what concessions they are willing to make to a predatory American power in this ongoing global geopolitical conflict.