A former advisor to ex-President Donald Trump has shared the counsel he offers to other countries when they encounter challenges with the controversial leader. John Bolton, who previously held roles as national security adviser to Trump and as US ambassador to the United Nations, discussed his advice as King Charles embarks on his initial state visit to the USA.
This visit follows Trump’s state visit to the UK less than a year ago, a visit deemed “unprecedented” by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in early last year. Bolton suggests that nations with monarchies consider inviting Trump for a state visit to meet their royal leaders, a strategy that proved successful with the Emperor of Japan during Bolton’s time in the White House.
Given Trump’s escalating tensions with Europe, particularly the UK, other nations such as Spain, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Belgium could gain an advantage by following Bolton’s recommendation, as reported by the Express. Concerns have mounted over Trump’s skepticism towards NATO and his criticisms of the alliance’s financial contributions.
The growing divide between the USA and Europe has led world leaders to navigate appeasing Trump while preparing for a future where American security assurances may wane. The upcoming visit of King Charles and Queen Camilla to the USA has sparked significant interest in the remaining strength of the Special Relationship between the two nations.
A recent poll revealed that nearly half of Britons doubt the existence of the Special Relationship, signaling a shift in attitudes towards the US. Ipsos Senior Director of UK Politics, Gideon Skinner, noted a substantial change in British perceptions of the US over the past year, particularly following the Iran conflict. Public opinion on King Charles’ visit remains divided, with uncertainty over its impact on the US-UK relationship.
Despite varying views on the visit’s significance, there is optimism among some segments of the population, notably Conservative and Reform UK voters, who show greater support for the upcoming royal visit.