In a move that has left many traditionalists and monarchists scratching their heads, President Joe Biden opted not to attend the Coronation of King Charles III. His absence was met with criticism by former President Donald Trump, who lambasted Biden for “greatly insulting the British people”. Despite concerns that Biden’s absence may harm the “special relationship” between the US and the UK, White House officials downplayed concerns and pointed to former President Dwight Eisenhower’s absence from Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation. However, Nile Gardiner, a former Foreign Policy adviser, also did not mince his words when he excoriated Biden for missing such a momentous event.
Former President Donald Trump has criticized President Joe Biden’s decision to skip the Coronation, calling it a “great insult” to the British people. Trump praised the British monarchy, lauding the King and Queen as “wonderful” and arguing that the US President should have attended the event.
On Truth Social, he wrote: “Joe Biden should have been at the Coronation of King Charles III. Is that really so much to ask? The people of the U.K. are greatly insulted. No wonder we are losing support all over the World. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!”
Trump added: “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 a Long and Glorious One. GOD BLESS YOU BOTH!!!”
In addition, during a recent interview with GB News in Scotland, Trump further expressed his surprise that Biden was not in attendance.
While First Lady Jill Biden represented the U.S. during the historic event, the President opted to skip it, as he just got home recently from traveling to Ireland to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement and visit family members.
Many have expressed concerns that Biden’s absence could damage the “special relationship” between the US and UK. However, White House officials downplayed these concerns, emphasizing the strength of Biden’s relationship with the King and highlighting that former President Dwight Eisenhower also skipped Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation.
Despite this, Nile Gardiner, former Foreign Policy adviser to the late former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, criticized Biden for missing such a seminal event.
Gardiner tweeted: “Leaders from across the world are attending today’s Coronation of King Charles III. Even the French President is there. Notably absent is Joe Biden, who could not be bothered. What message does this send to America’s closest ally? Biden is a petty, arrogant, sneering disgrace.”
The Coronation marks a significant moment in British history, as the King is formally crowned and takes on the role of head of state. This year’s festivities marked the first time a coronation has been held since 1953, when Queen Elizabeth II was crowned.
The event was attended by world leaders, dignitaries, and royalty from across the globe, underlining the importance of the occasion. Biden’s absence, therefore, was seen by many as a snub to the UK, especially given the supposedly strong ties between the two countries.
Other critics have argued that Biden’s decision to skip the Coronation was a missed opportunity to reaffirm the special relationship between the US and the UK. They have also pointed to the fact that the UK has been a crucial ally to the US in recent years, particularly in the fight against terrorism.
Moreover, the UK has been a key partner in NATO, providing military support and assistance to US troops in various conflicts around the world. This partnership has been particularly important in the fight against terrorist groups in the Middle East.
Given these factors, it’s no surprise that many on the political right have criticized Biden’s decision to skip the Coronation, arguing that it sends the wrong message to the UK and the rest of the world.
In the eyes of many traditionalists, Biden’s absence from the Coronation is simply seen as a snub to the British monarchy and the UK as a whole. Despite the White House’s insistence that Biden holds a strong relationship with King Charles III, the fact remains that the President was not physically present for such a significant moment. As the royal celebrations continue, the world watches to see how this absence will affect the relationship between two long standing allies. Nevertheless, with such a significant event in British history, the absence of the American President is simply inappropriate.
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