WASHINGTON — President Trump reacted warmly Friday to a report that the United States could be offered “associate membership” in the British Commonwealth. “I Love King Charles. Sounds good to me!” the president wrote on Truth Social, linking to a report by the Sun that a proposal could be made by the monarch when Trump makes a state visit to the UK later this year.
The Commonwealth of Nations, established in 1926, has 56 member states, the vast majority of which are former colonies of the British Empire. Among its members are countries like Australia, Canada, India, Kenya, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa. While member states have no legal obligations to one another, citizenship in one Commonwealth country does provide benefits in the UK—such as the right to live, travel, study, or work for up to six months without needing a visa beforehand.
The Daily Mail reported that the idea of offering the United States Commonwealth membership was being “discussed at the highest levels.” A source stated, “It would be a wonderful move that would symbolize Britain’s close relationship with the US.” The source continued, “Donald Trump loves Britain and has great respect for the Royal Family, so we believe he would see the benefits of this.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer presented Trump with a letter from Charles when Starmer visited the White House on February 27, 2025, during which he extended the offer of the unprecedented second state visit. Starmer commented, “This is really special. This has never happened before. This is unprecedented, and I think that just symbolizes the strength of the relationship between us.”
Trump responded, “The answer is yes,” adding, “On behalf of our wonderful first lady Melania and myself, we look forward to being there and honoring the king and honoring, really, your country. Your country is a fantastic country, and it’ll be our honor to be there.”
Despite the historical complexities surrounding the US and UK relationship, particularly due to the 1776 declaration of independence, the prospect of ‘associate membership’ in the Commonwealth is intriguing. Charles III became head of the Commonwealth upon the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on September 8, 2022. Interestingly, 36 of the Commonwealth’s 56 members are republics, exemplified by countries like India.
Trump’s enthusiasm echoes broader discussions about America's role in international organizations. King Charles is set to meet with Trump in the UK for the second state visit, which emphasizes the ongoing diplomatic relationship. Meanwhile, the offer itself may provide a pathway to reduce tensions, particularly with neighboring Canada, which has been a topic of discussion given Trump’s prior suggestions about possibly annexing the country.
King Charles will reportedly make the offer to have the United States join the Commonwealth when Trump visits, further enhancing the narratives surrounding the trip. Some see this gesture as an opportunity to smooth over relations with Canada, especially considering how Trump's comments about Canadian annexation have created friction.
The Commonwealth, whose nations boast a total population exceeding 2.7 billion, is among the world’s oldest political associations. Its roots stem from Britain’s former Empire, and joining such a group may symbolize a shift in Trump's approach compared to his historical skepticism toward other alliances, like NATO or the United Nations.
The possibility of the United States becoming an associate member is part of a broader strategy by the British monarch to maintain strong ties with the U.S. while acknowledging the historical context of their split. A member of the Royal Commonwealth Society indicated the negotiations are being discussed at elevated diplomatic levels. “It would be wonderful,” they said. “This would symbolize Britain's close relationship with the US. If America joins as an associate member, it might pave the way towards full membership.”
This potential shift could also lead to a reallocation of diplomatic titles; for instance, if the US accepts membership, diplomats from Commonwealth nations interact through “high commissioners” instead of ambassadors, integrating the U.S. into a different framework of international relations that highlights cooperation.
As whispers of a possible associate membership circulate, attention will focus on how this aligns with America’s current diplomatic strategies. While the symbolic nature of joining the Commonwealth wouldn’t directly impact governance, it may yield political leverage in various negotiations. For instance, easing trade tensions with Canada—a country deeply rooted in the Commonwealth—could prove beneficial economically for the U.S.
In a statement made by King Charles on Commonwealth Day earlier this month, he emphasized the importance of international cooperation: “In these uncertain times, where it is all too easy to believe that our differences are problems instead of a source of strength and opportunity for learning, the Commonwealth's remarkable collection of nations and peoples come together in the spirit of support and, crucially, friendship.”
Thus, while the road to potential membership remains uncharted, today's exchange between Trump and Starmer marks an unprecedented moment in U.S.-UK relations that could lead to reshaping historical narratives locked in a colonial context.
