King Charles III has made his most significant appearance so far during the State Visit to the United States. On Tuesday, the monarch addressed Congress and received standing ovations after delivering a subtle remark that appeared to take aim at Donald Trump.
The visit by King Charles III and Queen Camilla is not merely ceremonial. While invited by Donald Trump, the trip also carries the broader goal of repairing strained relations between the two nations.
Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer after the long-time ally declined to intervene in support of the U.S. during the Iran conflict.
At the same time, Donald Trump has faced declining popularity across Europe, largely due to his administration’s stance on Ukraine. By August 2025, the United States had provided approximately $130 billion in aid to the country as it continues to resist the Russian invasion.
However, both Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance have criticized Prime Minister Volodymyr Zelenskyy for not pursuing an end to the war, despite conditions suggesting he would need to concede territory to Russia.
King Charles’ Congress speech gets standing ovation
Meanwhile, Donald Trump has previously stated that his NATO Allies have turned their back on the U.S after the Iran War, even threatening to withdraw from the treaty.
On Tuesday, as King Charles addressed Congress, he took a subtle dig at Trump, reminding the U.S President of what Europe did for the United States in the aftermath of 9/11.
“This year, of course, also marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11. This atrocity was a defining moment for America and your pain and shock were felt around the whole world. During my visit to New York, my wife and I will again pay our respects to the victims, the families, and the bravery shown in the face of terrible loss. We stood with you then. And we stand with you now in solemn remembrance of a day that shall never be forgotten,” King Charles said.
“In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, when NATO invoked Article 5 for the first time, and the United Nations Security Council was united in the face of terror, we answered the call together – as our people have done so for more than a century, shoulder to shoulder, through two World Wars, the Cold War, Afghanistan and moments that have defined our shared security,” he continued.
Praised online for ‘dig’ at Trump
“Today, Mr. Speaker, that same, unyielding resolve is needed for the defence of Ukraine and her most courageous people – in order to secure a truly just and lasting peace,” Charles concluded.
King Charles’ clear statement that the U.S and Europe must continue to support Ukraine and the importance of a strong NATO sent shockwaves online. While King Charles received a standing ovation at the end of his 28-minute address, social media users praised him for his strong words before Congress.
“Wouldn’t it be wonderful if, instead of having a President who thought he was a king, we had one who actually spoke & acted like a real king! Charles III gave a wonderful speech; calm, insightful, and interesting. I especially liked how he spoke up strongly for the defence of Ukraine,” one user wrote.
A second stated: “Now THAT’S what leadership sounds like. NATO, strong, united, not the weak, confused chaos we’ve seen elsewhere. King Charles gets it-resolve, strength, backing Ukraine, not waffling and whispering to dictators. Very classy, very firm, very winning energy. People respect that.”
“Trump invited King Charles thinking he’ll just go along with everything”
“Americans stand and applaud when they realise class and intelligence has entered the room. Trump invited King Charles thinking he’ll just go along with everything, but nope bravo King Charles keeps slam dunking on Trump & Congress before the eyes and ears of the world,” a third user gushed
A fourth said, “Not a massive royalist, but that was some speech. Take a bow Charlie.”