King Charles III of Great Britain had responded with a historical reference to US President Donald Trump's words to European countries, "If it weren't for us, you'd be speaking German."
Redaksiya reports that King Charles III, in his speech at the White House, alluded to the history of US independence and the Anglo-French rivalry, stating, "if it weren't for us, you'd be speaking French too."
Trump had previously used the phrase "if it weren't for us, you'd be speaking German" to emphasize that European countries owed their security to the US. These words were considered one of the examples of Washington's harsh rhetoric against its NATO allies.
King Charles III, however, turned the same logic back onto US history itself. His words were interpreted as an indirect reference to the struggle between Britain and France during the American independence period, as well as France's role in the US independence process.
French President Emmanuel Macron also joined the discussion. He shared King Charles III's speech on his social media account, adding the comment, "that would be very chic."
Macron's post was interpreted as a more humorous and diplomatic response from European leaders against Trump's harsh and direct style. The French leader's reaction also drew attention as a subtle political message delivered through historical US-Britain-France relations.
This linguistic polemic among leaders is seen as a softer expression of the tensions in transatlantic relations. The Trump administration demands more defense spending and political support from Europe, while European leaders express their dissatisfaction with Washington's style of dealing with allies in various ways.
King Charles III's words are presented not as an official political attack, but as a diplomatic response crafted with historical irony. Nevertheless, Macron's sharing of that speech indicates that the message was not merely a joke.