Trump says Brits are ‘very offended’ by Joe Biden’s coronation snub UK News
Donald Trump has called out Joe Biden for not attending the king’s coronation, claiming Brits are “very offended” by his absence.
“Joe Biden would have at the coronation of King Charles III. Is that really that much to ask?” the former president wrote in a post on his network Truth Social.
“People in the UK are very offended. No wonder we’re losing support around the world. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!’ he added.
Despite the “special relationship” between the two countries, no US president has ever attended a royal coronation, and last month Biden announced he would make no exception.
Instead, the president sent his wife, Jill Biden, in his place, along with their 22-year-old granddaughter, Finnegan.
In a previous post on Saturday on Truth Social, Trump also wished the King and Queen best wishes, writing: “Good luck and best wishes to the wonderful new King and Queen of the United Kingdom.
“You are two very special people. May your reign be long and glorious. GOD BLESS YOU BOTH!!!’
Nevertheless, President Biden congratulated King Charles III in a Twitter post on Saturday morning. and Queen Camilla.
“The enduring friendship between the US and Britain is a source of strength for both our peoples,” Biden wrote.
The first lady added in a statement posted to Twitter that it was “an honor to represent the United States at Westminster Abbey on this historic day.”
Mr Trump, who is currently facing civil charges of rape and defamation in the United States, also did not attend the ceremony.
Coronation of King Charles III. At latest
The historic coronation of Her Majesties King Charles III. and Queen Camilla takes place today (6 May) at Westminster Abbey.
For the latest royal updates, visit Metro.co.uk’s dedicated Coronations page.
The President’s decision not to attend drew domestic criticism from commentators and analysts.
Nile Gardiner, foreign policy analyst and former adviser to British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, tweeted: “Leaders from around the world are attending the coronation of King Charles III today. part. Even the French President is there.
“Particularly absent is Joe Biden, who could not be disturbed.
“What message does this send to America’s closest allies? Biden is a petty, arrogant, sneering disgrace.
But Laura Beers, a history professor at American University, told the BBC: “I certainly don’t see it as a snub to President Biden.”
“It’s not a story about the idea that Biden is anti-British,” she said. “He’s not going because no American president has ever gone to a coronation, so why start in the 21st century?”
Before the reign of Queen Victoria, the relationship between Britain and the US was largely controversial after the American Revolution and the War of 1812.
Although ties later thawed and Queen Victoria’s coronation drew a great deal of interest in the States, then-President Martin Van Buren did not attend the coronation.
At the time, it was simply not practical for an American president to attend such ceremonies, and the practice became a tradition thereafter.
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