A lip-reader has claimed that Donald Trump delivered a stark warning to King Charles III just moments after the British monarch arrived at the White House on Monday.
Trump and First Lady Melania Trump welcomed King Charles and Queen Camilla on the South Lawn, where their opening exchange was not audible to cameras. According to lip-reader Nicola Hickling, Trump began by referencing a recent shooting, saying: “This shooting.”
The King reportedly responded: “I would rather not stand about here too long. I feel I should not be here.”
Trump then asked if he was alright and said “it is not a good thing,” before adding: “I was not prepared, but now I am prepared.”
The conversation quickly turned to global tensions. Trump reportedly told the King that he’s talking to Vladimir Putin “right now”, before adding his chilling three-word warning: “He wants war.”
King Charles replied “we will discuss that later,” attempting to move the discussion on.
But Trump continued with a more alarming remark, saying: “I have got a feeling that if he did what he said, he will wipe out the population.”
The tone then became lighter as Trump gestured toward a White House project, saying: “You can see right through there. Right the way through to the ballroom. Would you like to see?”
King Charles laughed and replied: “I am sure you shall show us.”
Trump responded: “That is right, you are right.”
As the exchange concluded, the King asked: “Which way do we go?”
Trump replied “we are going this way,” as he guided the group inside.
Following the greeting, the King and Queen were treated to tea in the Green Room and later toured an updated beehive installation near the Kitchen Garden, originally established during the tenure of Michelle Obama.
The visit continued with a garden party at the British ambassador’s residence in Washington, DC, with a formal welcome ceremony and state dinner scheduled for Tuesday.
