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In a display of diplomatic tensions, political strategist Steve Schmidt has issued a stark warning to King Charles III, urging the monarch to reconsider any potential visit to the United States in the coming years, particularly during the contentious political climate surrounding former President Donald Trump.
Schmidt, co-founder of both the Lincoln Project and Save America Movement, made his comments on The Daily Beast podcast, where he explicitly cautioned the King against becoming what he described as a “propaganda tool” for Trump’s MAGA movement.
“The king should not come to America in 2026,” Schmidt stated firmly. “Should he step foot on American soil in service of MAGA as a propaganda tool, then the crown will be attacked with an advertising campaign that would not be permitted in England. It will be no holds barred.”
The strategist’s warnings come in the wake of Trump’s state visit to the United Kingdom last year, where the then-president and First Lady Melania Trump received elaborate royal treatment, including a 41-gun salute at Windsor Castle and a lavish state banquet. Following that visit, Trump has reportedly expressed interest in hosting King Charles in the United States.
Schmidt threatened to employ similar tactics to those used during Trump’s UK visit, when controversial images of Trump with Jeffrey Epstein were projected onto buildings across London. The political operative indicated he would organize projection campaigns on New York City buildings and run advertising that could potentially embarrass the British monarchy.
“Should the king come to Washington, it will be a celebration of Donald Trump in a moment of existential crisis for American democracy,” Schmidt warned, suggesting that any royal visit could be interpreted as implicit support for Trump’s policies and actions at a time when the former president faces significant criticism over various domestic issues.
The royal family’s connections to controversial figures appear to be a central concern. According to reports from Radar Online, King Charles may already be hesitant about U.S. travel to avoid unwanted associations with Epstein, Trump, and even his brother, Prince Andrew. There are ongoing calls for Prince Andrew to appear in U.S. courts regarding his relationship with Epstein, the disgraced financier who died in prison while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
“Every appearance now risks reopening questions the palace wants to put behind it. The latest files make a visit politically toxic,” an unnamed source told Radar Online.
King Charles last visited the United States in 2018, when he attended the funeral of former President George H.W. Bush. Any future visit would likely face intense scrutiny given the current political climate and the complex web of relationships between the royal family, Trump, and Epstein.
Trump himself has previously commented on Prince Andrew’s alleged connections to Epstein, stating: “I feel very badly. I mean, it’s a terrible thing that’s happened to the family.”
The controversy highlights the increasingly complex intersection of British royal diplomacy and American politics. Royal visits have traditionally been used to strengthen ties between the two nations, but Schmidt’s warnings underscore how such visits could potentially become embroiled in partisan politics.
As the British monarchy navigates its role in modern international relations, this unusual warning from a prominent American political strategist illustrates the delicate balancing act facing King Charles as he considers his diplomatic engagements with the United States during a period of significant political division.
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8 Comments
While the monarchy has traditionally played a diplomatic role, the risks of being used as a political prop in the US are significant. Avoiding a visit during the height of the partisan tensions is probably the wise choice to protect the institution’s reputation and neutrality.
It’s understandable that the monarchy would want to avoid being dragged into the US political maelstrom. Maintaining a neutral, above-the-fray position is critical to the institution’s credibility and legitimacy. Postponing a visit until the political climate is less polarized seems prudent.
This is a delicate diplomatic issue that requires nuance and care. The monarchy has to protect its neutrality and avoid the perception of taking partisan positions, even inadvertently. Postponing a visit until the political environment is less volatile makes sense.
The warnings from the political strategist seem prudent. The monarchy has to be extremely careful not to get embroiled in the divisions and rhetoric of US politics, which could undermine its standing. A visit in the current climate could backfire.
This highlights the tricky balance the monarchy has to strike between soft diplomacy and avoiding being dragged into partisan politics. Avoiding a visit during a particularly polarized period makes sense, to preserve the institution’s neutrality and credibility.
I agree, the monarchy has to be very cautious about being perceived as taking sides, especially in the US where politics are so polarized right now.
This is a complex issue with valid concerns on both sides. The monarchy has to weigh the diplomatic benefits of a US visit against the risks of being drawn into domestic US politics. Caution and prudence seem warranted in the current volatile climate.
Interesting to see the political tensions around a potential US visit by King Charles. While the monarchy tries to remain neutral, it’s understandable that there are concerns about being used as a ‘propaganda tool’ in the current divisive climate. It will be important for the King to navigate this carefully.