President-elect Donald Trump’s recent rendezvous with Prince William at the UK Ambassador’s residence in Paris is yet another reminder of the stark contrast between a real leader and the current occupant of the White House. Just as the historic Notre Dame Cathedral reopened after nearly five years, Trump took the opportunity to strengthen ties with the royal family while giving a nod to the timeless bond between the United States and the United Kingdom.
The event kicked off after Donald Trump made his entrance, and it didn’t take long for Prince William to give him a warm welcome. With a handshake that could probably generate enough energy to power a small town, Trump gestured towards the prince and made it clear that he holds him in high esteem. It’s refreshing to see a leader who isn’t shy to appreciate another leader — a stark contrast to today’s self-declared faction warfare against traditional relationships.
The Prince of Wales greets President @realDonaldTrump at the British Ambassador's Residence 🇺🇸🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/VsYvOmk8gI
— Margo Martin (@margomartin) December 7, 2024
During their meeting, it was noted that Trump and the Prince of Wales would converse about the so-called “special relationship” between US and UK. But one has to wonder how “special” that relationship feels to Biden, who seems to have mistaken the phrase for a sitcom about mutual disdain. With a new leftist government in the UK, filled with personalities like David Lammy, will Trump still have his work cut out for him in mending fences? Lammy’s history of insults directed at Trump poses a potential hurdle, although he claims he’s now seen the light—a classic case of “I’ve changed my mind because I finally realized who does the real work.”
Let’s not forget that while Trump was allegedly catching up with the minds that lead the free world, he was also busy shaking hands at the grand reopening of Notre Dame, where he rubbed elbows with global leaders including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron. A typical Saturday for Trump involves more engaging with world leaders than Biden’s entire presidency to date.
Looking back, Trump has always shown a deep respect for the British royals and their heritage. His mother instilled in him an appreciation for the late Queen Elizabeth, a sentiment that hasn’t waned even after her passing in 2022. This devotion stands in stark contrast with Biden’s tendency to be a tad critical of the UK history as he leans heavily into his own Irish roots. While the president often evokes his lineage, Trump elevates the values and traditions shared across the pond, reminding everyone what true appreciation of heritage looks like.
In a world where leaders gather to examine the importance of their relationships, Trump continues to stand out. While the new UK government fumbles for footing, one thing is clear: Trump’s re-election campaign is aiming for a revived connection with allies instead of the international discourse favored by the left, which tends to prioritize critique over cooperation. As Trump forges ahead, the difference in leadership styles is glaring, and conservative Americans can relish in the fact that their side is once again gearing up for a strong international presence.