Trump praises King Charles III's speech: 'He got the Democrats to stand, I could never do that'

President Donald Trump praised King Charles III's speech to a joint session of Congress Tuesday, joking that the British monarch got Democrats to stand in applause, which he could never do.

The king delivered a 30-minute speech to U.S. lawmakers that praised the United States and United Kingdom's centuries-long relationship. The king is in the U.S. on a four-day trip to help commemorate the nation's 250th birthday.

Trump told the monarch during his toast at the state dinner that it was a "great honor" to host him and the queen at the White House, and praised the king for a "fantastic speech." 

"I want to congratulate Charles on having made a fantastic speech today at Congress," the president said. "He got the Democrats to stand — I've never been able to do that. I couldn't believe it!"

The president remarked in lighthearted comments to the press earlier Tuesday that he was "jealous" of the king's speech.

Trump also acknowledged the historic impact that the United Kingdom has had on the U.S. as the country prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday in July.

"The first Americans saw themselves as free men, carrying forward the ancestral liberties and ancient rights of the Anglo-Saxons into this New World," he said. "In the eyes of America’s Founders, our War for Independence was fought not to reject this heritage, but to reclaim it and perfect it.

"The same audacity that called a small island kingdom to rule the seven seas, and rule them you did, inspired the children of 13 American colonies to explore a Great Frontier... and settle what was known as the Wild, Wild West," he continued.

"Ours is a treasured friendship, an eternal bond, and a true story of extraordinary heroism and skill," he added. "History has known no more powerful force than the combination of American Patriotism and British Pride."

Charles also delivered a toast at the state dinner, where he presented the president with a bell from the HMS Trump, which is not named after the president but is a World War II submarine that fought in the Battle of the Pacific.

"Should you ever need us, just give us a ring," the king remarked.

The monarch also made several jokes about the U.S., including comments about the ongoing construction of the new White House ballroom and other recent White House renovations.

"I cannot help noticing the ‘readjustments’ to the East Wing, Mr President, following your visit to Windsor Castle last year," Charles said. "I am sorry to say that we British, of course, made our own attempt at real estate redevelopment of the White House in 1814." 

The comment was a reference to the British forces setting fire to the White House during the War of 1812, which actually spanned 1812-1815.

The king is expected to remain in the U.S. through Thursday, when he will travel to Bermuda. The monarch is also expected to visit New York City and a national park in Virginia during his stay.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.