Donald Trump in Turbulent Times. End of April 2026

Forecast: "A Look into the Future from September 2025" (published on September 26, 2025, link)

S. Dragun:

...By the end of April 2026, his (D. Trump's) position becomes very difficult, and he may find himself in quite restrictive circumstances...

The extremely difficult, restrictive circumstances for D. Trump and his highly inadequate actions (at least as perceived by those around him) have been noted several times in Confirmations in April (from April 6, 10, and 27, 2026).

The last days of April did not deviate from this pattern of problems for the American president. And they are linked to a meeting, as some experts and journalists caustically or sympathetically put it, between "two kings" who declare themselves the strongest allies and rulers of the world.

The American two-day tour of King Charles III of the United Kingdom concluded on April 30, 2026, and the monarch left the United States.

However, Donald Trump will remember this visit for a long time, finding himself in a rather awkward situation: the British King publicly humiliated the 47th President of the United States on two occasions, yet, known for his sharp retorts to opponents, Trump swallowed his pride and remained silent this time.

Charles III's visit provided ample opportunities for jokes about the level of education among Americans. First, officials responsible for decorating the streets mixed up the 'Union Jack' with the Australian flag. Then, Trump became the target of ridicule. Before the King's arrival in the US, members of Congress and White House officials were given a memorandum outlining what not to do when meeting a monarch. In particular, it included restrictions on physical contact and hugs. However, the 47th US President ignored the etiquette and, standing behind Charles III, gave him a friendly tap on the shoulder.

"This is pure Trumpism, the desire to cling to the image of a monarch. Look, I love you, man, I'll even give you a pat on the knee," - a political scientist Dmitry Zhuravlyov explained this moment in a conversation with aif.ru.

Karl III's expression at that moment was slightly stunned, however the monarch remained silent and struck back later, fully.

For the first time in 35 years, a British monarch addressed both houses of the American Congress. In his speech, Karl III openly opposed Trump's policy on the Ukrainian conflict. The monarch reminded Congress members and senators of conflicts in which the US and Britain had fought side by side, including World War II and the Cold War, as well as the NATO operation in Afghanistan, and called on parliamentarians to prepare for war with Russia.

"Today, the same unwavering determination is needed to protect Ukraine, to ensure a fair and lasting peace. The history of the United Kingdom and the United States is a history of reconciliation, renewal, and outstanding partnership. From disagreements 250 years ago, we forged a friendship. I pray that our alliance continues to protect our shared values together with our partners in Europe and around the world," the king stated.

In such cases, Trump usually retaliates immediately, but this time he decided to hold his tongue in front of the guest. The 47th US President described the king's speech as "magnificent," noting that Charles III achieved what a Republican could never do: "get Democrats to stand up."

"American leadership helped rebuild a shattered Europe. We will never forget that, especially now after Russia's invasion of Ukraine," Trump jabbed at Charles III.

According to political analyst Dmitry Журавlev, Trump's behavior is not unusual. In the eyes of the 47th US President, Charles III is very different from other politicians like German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, before whom the Republican leader says nothing is off-limits.

What had to happen, happened. I don't know if the Brits wanted to escalate the situation and directly tell Trump: "Dude, you're wrong, focus on Ukraine and forget about Iran". No one could have predicted that in advance. However, from Trump's perspective, King Charles III is always right, because he is: British monarchy is centuries-old, while the presidency in the US is only 250 years old. Trump sees in the King of England the same long-term power that is stronger than the Washington swamp. He's not just willing to negotiate with him, he's willing to serve him. For this reason, there will be no consequences for Britain from Washington. If the king is offended, they will even apologize. Trump dreams of standing next to the King of Britain, the most influential and powerful person on Earth in terms of capital. Well, that's not quite right, because there are capitals we can't consider. We don't know what happens there that doesn't go through taxes, we don't take that into account. But from what can be measured, the British monarchy is one of the wealthiest financial groups on Earth. Trump wants to be friends with them, if the City's capitals attack Trump tomorrow, they will trample him into the asphalt, he will become a true pauper", Журавlev shared his opinion with aif.ru.

From the perspective of Bogdan Bezpalko, a member of the Council on Interethnic Relations under the President of Russia and a politologist, Trump's comments on Charles III's "great speech" may be explained by irony or fatigue.

"Perhaps it was simply irony or sarcasm from Trump. Perhaps it was a certain kind of fatigue from the confrontation within the United States of America. Trump is tired of it; he's not necessarily losing, but he's starting to concede. It's clear that European politicians are aligning with the Democratic Party, which is why Charles III, and other politicians, criticized Trump or openly desired his defeat in the domestic political struggle in the US. Therefore, it's quite possible that, upon hearing this speech, he decided, for some personal reason, not to be rude to this British monarch."

He delivered such a sarcastic speech, perhaps even slightly surprising his supporters and opponents, but overall, I have no doubt that the clash between Democrats and Republicans will continue and that European politicians will always side with Democrats. However, it's worth noting that Americans have also interfered rather brusquely in European affairs. Just remember how Elon Musk, for example, tried to meddle in the politics of the United Kingdom, the speeches given by US Vice President JD Vance at various events, and how Trump characterized European politics and the European Union itself. There's more than enough of that for every meeting, speech, and so on," - aif.ru reported Bezpalko.

Perhaps in the context of Europeans opposing Republicans and King Charles III's memories of the burning of the White House.

King Charles III of the United Kingdom made a joke during his address at the White House about the burning of the building by the British in 1814. He referred to the incident as a "small attempt at remodeling" and compared it to the renovation of the building's east wing, started by U.S. President Donald Trump.

"On this occasion, I cannot help but notice the remodeling in the east wing, Mr. President, after your visit to Windsor Castle last year. Unfortunately, the British, of course, also made a small attempt at remodeling the White House in 1814," stated the British monarch. Charles III noted that he was nonetheless pleased to affirm the historical bond of friendship between the two peoples at this challenging time.

The next quip, aimed at the cameras and numerous journalists, was delivered by King Charles III prior to a reception at the White House, reminding that many place names in the United States reflect a British and French heritage.

“Mr. President, you recently noted that if it weren’t for US help, European countries would be speaking German or Japanese, - said the British king. - Dare I suggest that if it weren’t for us, you’d be speaking French. Of course, we both dearly love our French cousins.”

There’s no way this speech can be considered a friendly gesture towards Trump above all.

S. Dragun predicts further troubles for D. Trump: “His power may be called into question in the US, with sentiments akin to rejecting the former leader and ending the former policy. It’s quite possible that impeachment proceedings may follow.”

(more on the topic to follow)