State dinner in the White House organized in honor of the visit of the British King Charles III. she also brought an unexpected moment of humor. During the speech, the King gently took a shot at US President Donald Trump, directly in front of the guests present. After Charles III’s remark, the hall immediately erupted with laughter, the camera also captured Trump’s facial expression.
Photo: SITA/AP, Alex Brandon
British King Charles III. (left) and US President Donald Trump during a state dinner at the White House in Washington on April 28, 2026
“Indeed, you recently commented, Mr. President, that if it were not for the United States, European countries would be speaking German. I dare say that if it were not for us, you would be speaking French,” the king said with a smile.
The remark was an allusion to Trump’s words in January of this year, when he emphasized the United States’ role during World War II during a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The US president then declared that without the US, Europe would “perhaps speak German or Japanese”.
Trump also used these statements in the broader context of security and future discussions Greenland. He has repeatedly argued that the island should come under the administration of the US, as according to him no one else can ensure its protection.
During his speech in Davos, he also recalled the situation from the Second World War, when Denmark fell into the hands of Nazi Germany within a few hours. According to him, the United States subsequently played a key role in the defense of the strategic territory of Greenland.
The short exchange in the White House thus connected historical references with current politics – but this time with a dose of diplomatic humor.
