Donald Trump’s Message to King Charles—What He Said After Key Talk With UK’s PM Keir Starmer

Just before the UK’s Liberation Day on April 2nd, former U.S. President Donald Trump made a phone call to the British Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer. The timing of the call was interesting, as it came right before a major national event and during a tense period in UK-U.S. trade relations.

Trump didn’t jump straight into business. Instead, he started the conversation on a thoughtful note by sending his best wishes to King Charles III. The King has been undergoing cancer treatment and was recently admitted to the hospital for observation. Although the hospital visit was precautionary, doctors have advised the King to rest and avoid public appearances for a while.

A statement from the royal family explained that after receiving planned medical care, King Charles experienced some temporary side effects, which led to a short stay in the hospital. The King is now back at Clarence House and expressed his apologies for being absent from recent royal duties. Despite the side effects, he’s said to be in good spirits and focusing on his recovery.

During the phone call, Trump used this moment to show concern for the monarch’s health. It seems he wanted to set a respectful and friendly tone before moving on to the real reason for the call — trade discussions.

The main issue on the table was Trump’s new plan to raise tariffs on certain UK exports. The U.S. is planning to increase import taxes by 25% on British luxury cars, including brands like Aston Martin, Jaguar Land Rover, and Rolls-Royce. These cars are an important part of the UK’s economy, and such a sharp increase in tariffs could seriously impact the industry and overall economic health.

But that’s not all. Trump also announced a 20% tax on a broader range of UK products in response to the UK’s Value-Added Tax (VAT) policies. This move is part of his broader push for economic reform — and it mirrors similar tough stances he’s taken on trade with other countries, including Canada.

Even though the call was serious, sources say it was also productive. There’s hope that both countries can reach a fair agreement. Some insiders believe a UK-U.S. economic deal focused on mutual prosperity might be on the horizon.

Still, challenges remain. Trump has also introduced extra taxes on British aluminum and steel exports, which could hurt the UK’s already struggling steel industry. So far, the UK hasn’t been able to secure an exemption from these global tariffs.

Prime Minister Starmer has said he’s determined to protect the country’s economic interests. Speaking to the press, he urged the public not to panic and assured them that his government is exploring all possible options. If the U.S. goes ahead with the 25% tariff increase, the UK is prepared to respond with its own measures. Starmer made it clear that any final deal must be fair to both sides.

In the end, both leaders seem interested in finding common ground. While tensions are high, there’s still room for negotiation — and hopefully, a new economic agreement that benefits both nations will come out of it.