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Trump vs. Sussexes: A Royal Feud Heats Up Ahead of the Election
The political arena is buzzing as the U.S. presidential election looms just days away, and former President Donald Trump is making headlines once again.
This time, however, it's not just about his campaign; it's about a long-standing feud with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle that could reignite should he reclaim the White House.
Trump's relationship with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex has been anything but amicable.
While he has often expressed admiration for the late Queen Elizabeth and the British royal family, his sentiments towards Harry and Meghan have consistently leaned towards criticism.
With Trump back on the campaign trail, tensions could escalate, especially if he emerges victorious in the upcoming election.
The roots of this conflict date back to 2016, long before Meghan became a member of the royal family.
At that time, she was known primarily for her role on the hit television series “Suits.”
During a guest appearance on “The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore,” Meghan openly criticized Trump, labeling him as divisive and misogynistic.
Her remarks quickly stirred controversy and set the stage for a contentious relationship with the former president.
Fast forward to 2019, during Trump's state visit to the UK.
Meghan was on maternity leave after giving birth to their son, Archie, and did not partake in any royal engagements linked to his visit.
Although Trump described Meghan as “very nice” and referred to Harry as a “terrific guy” in an interview, those compliments were fleeting.
In early 2020, after Harry and Meghan announced their decision to step back from royal duties and relocate to California, Trump weighed in on who would be responsible for their security costs.
In a pointed tweet, he made it clear that American taxpayers should not be expected to foot the bill for the couple's protection, stating, “They must pay.”
The Sussexes later clarified that they had no intention of seeking government assistance for their security expenses.
As Trump campaigned for re-election in 2020, Harry and Meghan released a video urging Americans to vote, which many interpreted as a subtle jab at Trump.
Their comments sparked further animosity, leading Trump to respond with disdain, declaring, “I'm no fan of hers, Meghan.
I wish a lot of luck to Harry.
He's going to need it.”
In the aftermath of Trump's electoral defeat, he continued to publicly criticize Harry and Meghan.
In a 2021 interview, he claimed that Harry's marriage to Meghan had damaged his relationship with his family and even hurt the Queen.
Trump went so far as to suggest that Meghan might eventually leave Harry for another man, showcasing his ongoing disdain for the couple.
Fast forward to 2023, when Harry confirmed his attendance at King Charles III's coronation, Trump expressed surprise that Harry was invited, citing the Duke's previous comments as “terrible.”
The revelations in Harry's memoir, including his admissions of past drug use, became fodder for Trump's criticism.
A conservative think tank, the Heritage Foundation, even filed a lawsuit demanding Harry's visa records, arguing that his drug use may have violated U.S. immigration policies.
While the Biden administration has maintained Harry's privacy in this matter, Trump has publicly condemned the administration for its protective stance, stating, “I wouldn't protect him.
He betrayed the queen.
That's unforgivable.”
This statement highlights the unique position of a former U.S. president taking a stand against a member of the British royal family.
During a recent interview, Trump hinted at possible repercussions for Harry regarding his visa status, suggesting that if Harry lied about his drug use, appropriate action would need to be taken.
However, he stopped short of specifying what that action might entail, leaving the door open for speculation.
As Trump's campaign progresses, his ongoing criticisms of Harry and Meghan underscore a peculiar rift between a former American leader and members of the British royal family.
With the election drawing near, many are left wondering how a potential Trump administration might affect the Sussexes' future in the United States.
As this royal feud unfolds, it serves as a reflection of broader cultural divides that resonate on both sides of the Atlantic.
The dynamics between Trump, Harry, and Meghan continue to captivate public interest, leaving many to ponder the implications of their intertwined fates.
What do you think about this escalating drama?
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.