Weird rumour Trump/Commonwealth

Yahoo news reference

www.yahoo.com/news/trump-weighs-report-king-charles-151532201.html

Isn't there a fundamental issue here?

The Commonwealth's objectives were first outlined in the 1971 Singapore Declaration, which committed the Commonwealth to the institution of world peace; promotion of representative democracy and individual liberty; the pursuit of equality and opposition to racism; the fight against poverty, ignorance, and disease; and free trade. To these were later added opposition to discrimination on the basis of gender and environmental sustainability.

As Trump has made it clear he doesn't believe in any of those things, how can he even think that America under his Presidency would be welcome?

I read these news items but couldn’t believe it. Surely not. We need to align ourselves as close as possible with Europe at this dangerous time. The last thing we need is to invite a wolf to the table. Can’t believe that King Charles will be party to this idea.

Does the King have a choice

Can’t believe anyone would think this was real so obviously fake news.

It's appeared in the "heavyweights" like the FT and a number of others - and still no named source. Pretty unprecedented to publish with no fact check and if Trump finds out its just a rumour and he isnt going to be welcomed after all (which he definitely shouldn't be imo)

I can see how Trump might like to join the Commonwealth after all he has Scottish/German ancestry and the Royals have Scottish/German ancestry too. However I don't think he would be welcomed and I think this is yet more fantasising and wishful thinking from a madman.

America is in a far worse state economically than it was in November when Trump became president. The pound is stronger against the dollar than it has been for years.

In his dreams! If this rumour genuinely came from Truskville El Lago, the man is hallucinating. It sounds like someone with dementia who can't distinguish between reality and what they have imagined. However, if it can be traced back to him, it will prove useful ammunition for Washington doctors looking to get him a medical discharge from his presidency. A pity that would mean that Vance would take over.

It could be a fake, of course, possibly engineered by Putin, now that Trump is over-playing his part and becoming a potential liability to him, or possibly seeded into the news by an AI user.

I have copied this from Wikipedia and I fear that it will turn out to be more than just a rumour.

Commonwealth relations saw renewed interest during the second term of United States president Donald Trump. In 2025, during Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Commonwealth countries Australia, Canada and New Zealand aligned themselves with the "coalition of the willing" spearheaded by British prime minister Keir Starmer to provide support for Ukraine.[58] In Canada, during the 2025 Liberal Party leadership contest, and in light of aggressive actions taken by the United States, the ultimate victor Mark Carney expressed support for deepening relations with Britain, Australia and New Zealand.[59] Donald Trump expressed interest in the United States becoming a member or associate member.[60]

I don't know if there is any consultation with Commonwealth members about who is allowed to join or if it is in the King's gift as Head. My thoughts on it are that as the position of Head of the Commonwealth is not hereditary, if America is invited to join then Trump will immediately want a deal that ousts the King and puts Trump in charge.

Other countries have recently joined the Commonwealth I think, or applied to join.
I think it will turn out to be more than a rumour.

Perhaps France and Germany should apply too, that will put him off his attempts to separate UK from the rest of Europe.

I think it comes from Trump, to put a whole number of parties in a very difficult situation. It's a typical Trump move - throw something contentious or destructive out, and wait for the consequences.

Still can't believe that papers like the FT would fall for it when the only apparent source is an unnamed "A member of the Royal Commonwealth Society" says its "In discussion".

King Charles wouldnt possibly made such a move without Downing Street.

It is very clear:

An applicant country should accept and comply with Commonwealth fundamental values, principles, and priorities as set out in the 1971 Declaration of Commonwealth Principles and contained in other subsequent Declarations.

An applicant country must demonstrate commitment to: democracy and democratic processes, including free and fair elections and representative legislatures; the rule of law and independence of the judiciary; good governance, including a well-trained public service and transparent public accounts; and protection of human rights, freedom of expression, and equality of opportunity.

thecommonwealth.org/about/joining

Everything Trump does is the opposite of this.

But it could be said that the US does uphold those freedoms.
Even if Trump personally doesn’t.

Am not sure the American people would welcome this, I mean it would mean recognising an historical coloniser and paying homage to a foreign King. Much as some Americans like the royal family I remember the whole Tea Party movement and do not think this will gain traction with voters.

Quite obviously bonkers fake news.. in his dreams more like

Indigo8

I can see how Trump might like to join the Commonwealth after all he has Scottish/German ancestry and the Royals have Scottish/German ancestry too. However I don't think he would be welcomed and I think this is yet more fantasising and wishful thinking from a madman.

America is in a far worse state economically than it was in November when Trump became president. The pound is stronger against the dollar than it has been for years.

Me too! It’s complete madness and would have to had been discussed between the King and the PM and then the PM and Parliament surely?

As long as Trump says Canada should be the 51st State, ie a takeover, they can never join.

Thank you for that information, Silverbrooks. However, these rules are clearly discarded. For example, Rwanda was admitted in 2009 despite the state of governance and human rights in Rwanda, at that time, not satisfying Commonwealth standards.
I have found out that the King position is purely symbolic so any decision on America joining is presumably taken by the Commonwealth Heads of Government.

Cossy

Indigo8

I can see how Trump might like to join the Commonwealth after all he has Scottish/German ancestry and the Royals have Scottish/German ancestry too. However I don't think he would be welcomed and I think this is yet more fantasising and wishful thinking from a madman.

America is in a far worse state economically than it was in November when Trump became president. The pound is stronger against the dollar than it has been for years.

Me too! It’s complete madness and would have to had been discussed between the King and the PM and then the PM and Parliament surely?

Well definitely the PM and the King!

This is a US response (its not on CNN or mainstream) which to me just shows its a Daily Mail rumour

www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-03-21/trump-says-us-joining-commonwealth-nations-sounds-good-to-me

"Trump was responding on Friday to a US Sun article based on a Daily Mail report that the British monarch could pitch Trump on joining the Commonwealth as an “associate member” during an upcoming state visit to the UK.

“I Love King Charles. Sounds good to me!” Trump wrote.

While Buckingham Palace declined to comment, a person familiar with the process said Commonwealth membership isn’t a matter for the monarch. The prime minister’s office, which is coordinating the state visit invitation, didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment."

It is alarming to see how many reports of this are appearing online. I am beginning to worry that there may be some truth in this.

It would be good. Trump won’t be there forever.

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. With Trump’s unpredictability better to entice him with something to keep him in our favour. We probably need a long spoon though.

nanna8

It would be good. Trump won’t be there forever.

Why would it be good? Many of our commonwealth countries want/ed complete independence from us and the commonwealth.

I just think those days are gone, we need good relationships with other countries and good trade links, in our own right, I don’t Trumps America has anything to offer anyone bar bother. I cannot see anything positive being done towards closer relationships with while King T is on the throne.