President Donald Trump has sparked a flurry of headlines and speculation after expressing interest in joining the British Commonwealth. On March 21, 2025, he took to his Truth Social platform to proclaim, “I love King Charles. Sounds good to me!” following a report that King Charles III was prepared to extend a secret offer for the United States to become an "associate member" of the Commonwealth. This potential move comes nearly 250 years after America declared its independence from Britain, signaling a surprising shift in international relations.
The Commonwealth, which consists of 56 member nations and boasts a combined population of more than 2.7 billion people, is known for its ceremonial role rather than political obligations. Traditionally composed of former British colonies, the organization emphasizes shared culture and language among its members. The idea of the U.S. joining this group isn’t entirely new; it was first suggested during Trump’s initial term but is now being revived with a hopeful tone.
A source from the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) revealed, “This is being discussed at the highest levels... It would be a wonderful move that would symbolize Britain’s close relationship with the U.S.” The same source emphasized Trump’s admiration for Britain and the royal family, asserting that “associate membership could, hopefully, be followed by full membership, making the Commonwealth even more important as a global organization.”
The British monarch is expected to personally elaborate on this invitation during Trump’s planned visit to the United Kingdom later this year—an unprecedented opportunity for an American president, having only visited once during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was instrumental in delivering the invitation to Trump, which he presented during a White House meeting last month. The letter from King Charles, delivered with personal charm, sparked a delighted response from Trump, who praised the King as “a beautiful man.” This upcoming state visit, alongside discussions of common interests, could be crucial in mending transatlantic tensions. Indeed, Trump’s combative relationship with the European Union has reached an all-time low, making a renewed bond with the UK all the more appealing.
Interestingly, Trump’s inclination towards Commonwealth membership may also play a role in easing his contentious rhetoric regarding Canada. The President has loudly insisted on making Canada the 51st U.S. state, a notion that has ruffled feathers in the Commonwealth nation, which remains one of King Charles’s principal realms as head of state. With King Charles advocating for Canada’s interests, the potential Commonwealth association could provide a platform for constructive dialogue.
In a curious twist, previous discussions about America’s potential Commonwealth status have yielded tension, especially as Trump’s trade policies have often pitted the U.S. against its North American neighbor. Such statements have added strain to the longstanding friendship across the longest unguarded border in the world.
Nevertheless, Trump’s buoyant response to the Commonwealth offer signals both excitement and the opportunity for soft diplomacy. “Sounds good to me!” reflects not just Trump’s well-known affinity for the British royal family but perhaps hints at a larger strategy to assert U.S. influence on the global stage through renewed ties with the UK and its allies.
To formally join the Commonwealth, the U.S. would navigate a unique application process. While the Commonwealth currently does not have a historical precedent for an “associate membership,” it has flexibility regarding criteria. The list of current members is historical, rooted in colonial ties; however, more recent additions such as Mozambique and Rwanda challenge the traditional norms, suggesting that there might be room for negotiation regarding the U.S.'s entry.
Experts note that the advantages of being an associate member could enrich both the United States and the Commonwealth. “The Commonwealth serves as a forum for resolving international differences,” noted an expert, hinting at how the organization’s platform benefits its members globally.
While joining the Commonwealth could bolster friendships and diplomatic relations, many questions remain. How would America’s accession impact its political landscape? Would it alter Canada’s relationship with both the United States and the Commonwealth? These are questions that loom large as discussions proceed.
As the world watches to see how these discussions unfold, Trump's declared fondness for King Charles and his enthusiastic willingness to consider the Commonwealth offer sets the stage for a significant potential turning point in U.S.-UK relations.
Ultimately, as Trump prepares for his state visit, the possibility of strengthening ties through the Commonwealth could not only reshape diplomatic relations but could also redefine America's identity in the world at large. The coming months could reveal lessons in history, diplomacy, and international engagement—or just another chapter in the saga of Trump’s political journey.
