Trump's 'Shade' at Harry and Meghan: A Royal Family Drama Unfolds
TRUMP TAKES AIM AT ROYALS, STARMER, AND SADIQ KHAN: A SCOTLAND SUMMIT TO REMEMBER
In a jaw-dropping press conference in Scotland, Donald Trump took aim at his hosts, British politicians, and even the Royal Family, leaving Sir Keir Starmer squirming in his seat. The US President's four-day trip to Scotland was already making waves, but yesterday's extraordinary joint press conference with the Labour leader took it to a whole new level.
ROYAL ROASTING
In a shocking display of diplomatic finesse, Trump praised King Charles III and the rest of the Royal Family, saying they were "really great people." However, his words seemed to take on a slightly pointed tone when he added, "You could have people that weren't great people." The implication was clear: Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who have been vocal critics of Trump.
The President's comments sparked outrage among royal fans, with one social media user declaring, "I love the shade President Trump throws at Prince Harry & Meghan Markle!" Another wrote, "Trump is calling them out!"
STARMER VS TRUMP: A LOVE-HATE RELATIONSHIP
Sir Keir Starmer was visibly uncomfortable as Trump launched into a series of attacks on Labour's policies and his own leadership. The US President accused him of raising taxes to the highest level in modern history and urged him to cut Britain's "ruinous" immigration.
Trump also took aim at Labour's London mayor, Sadiq Khan, calling him "nasty" and saying he had done a "terrible job." Starmer intervened to defend his friend, but Trump was undeterred.
WIND FARMS UNDER FIRE
In a bizarre moment, Trump branded wind turbines "ugly monsters," claiming they were "the most expensive form of energy" and destroyed the beauty of Scotland's countryside. He urged the UK to exploit North Sea oil and gas instead.
STARMER'S WIFE GETS A MENTION (AND A COMPLIMENT)
Before the press conference, Starmer and Trump exchanged warm words on the steps of Turnberry golf course. The President praised Starmer's wife, Lady Starmer, saying she was "a respected person all over the United States" and "a great woman." He added, "I don't want to say more, I'll get myself in trouble."
FARMING IN THE CROSSHAIRS
Trump appeared to criticize Labour's inheritance tax on farmers, saying they were being driven to suicide by taxes. He noted that he had acted to remove levies on farmland estates and praised American farmers, saying, "They don't make a lot of money but it's a way of life and they love that dirt."
EYES WIDE OPEN ON EPISTEIN
Trump was asked about his connections to the late paedophile Jeffrey Epstein and his infamous island in the US Virgin Islands. The President said he had never visited the island, claiming "I never went to the island... I never had the privilege." He also denied sending a suggestive birthday note to Epstein featuring a naked woman.
TRADE TALKS: A MIXED BAG
Trump hinted that the UK would soon know what tariffs were being placed on steel exports. He suggested that he might not impose heavy tariffs on British pharmaceuticals, saying he could do a deal with the UK.
However, when asked about Sir Keir's Online Safety Act, which requires websites to check users are over 18 before allowing access to "harmful" material, Trump warned, "If you censor me, you're making a mistake."
FREE SPEECH UNDER SIEGE
Sir Keir defended the Online Safety Act, saying it was designed to protect children from harm. Trump countered, "I don't see that as a free speech issue - I see that as child protection." The exchange left many wondering what the future held for online freedom of expression.
SCOTLAND: A LOVE AFFAIR
In a heartfelt moment, Trump spoke of his "great love" for Scotland, saying it gave him a special connection to the country. He vowed to return to Scotland "once a year" for a visit, citing his mother's Scottish heritage as a reason why.
As the press conference drew to a close, one thing was clear: Donald Trump had left his mark on Scotland and would not be forgotten anytime soon.
