Could America soon join the British Commonwealth? Yes and no. President Trump has expressed enthusiasm for a potential “associate membership” in the alliance of former British colonies, marking a bold new chapter in U.S.-U.K. relations and giving the U.S. and U.K. reciprocal rights that make the movement of people and goods much easier.
At a glance:
- President Trump expressed interest in the US becoming an “associate member” of the British Commonwealth
- Trump shared an article suggesting King Charles might offer this status during his upcoming state visit
- The Commonwealth includes 56 member states, primarily former British colonies
- This would be Trump’s second state visit to the UK – the first US President to receive such an honor twice
- Membership could strengthen US-UK relations and potentially ease trade tensions with Canada
Trump Enthusiastic About Commonwealth Membership
President Donald Trump has publicly supported the idea of the United States becoming an “associate member” of the British Commonwealth. The President shared an article on his Truth Social platform suggesting King Charles III might offer this unique status, enthusiastically commenting, “I Love King Charles. Sounds good to me!”
And while it may sound like Trump is putting the U.S.A. back under control of the United Kingdom – that’s not what’s happening. Instead, the deal would provide economic benefits to both countries as well as the potential for easier travel.
The Commonwealth of Nations, established in 1926, currently includes 56 member states that were mostly former British colonies. Commonwealth membership offers several benefits, including the right for citizens to live, work, study, or travel in the UK for up to six months without requiring a visa.
UK’s King Charles to reportedly make ‘secret offer’ to Donald Trump during State visit – after Starmer hand-delivered letter from King, per the Sun.
King Charles is reportedly preparing to offer the United States associate membership in the Commonwealth during Donald Trump's…
— unusual_whales (@unusual_whales) March 21, 2025
Sources claim discussions about offering the United States Commonwealth membership are occurring at the highest diplomatic levels.
“It would be a wonderful move that would symbolize Britain’s close relationship with the US,” one source told reporters, highlighting Trump’s admiration for Britain and the royal family.
Historic Second State Visit Planned
The proposal for US associate membership could materialize during Trump’s upcoming state visit to the United Kingdom. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer extended the invitation, which Trump has accepted, potentially making him the first sitting US President to make two state visits to the UK.
“This is really special. This has never happened before. This is unprecedented, and I think that just symbolizes the strength of the relationship between us,” Starmer told reporters about the upcoming visit. The Prime Minister added that King Charles wants to make this visit “even better” than Trump’s previous state visit in 2019.
Trump acknowledged the significance of the invitation, stating, “It’s a great honor because it’s never happened before.” While the dates for the state visit have not been announced, Buckingham Palace and the royal family are reportedly preparing extensively for the President’s arrival.
U.S. President Donald #Trump suggested on Friday he is open to the proposal that the #UnitedStates could be offered "associate membership" in the British Commonwealth.#uk #us #cofa #commonwealth
Read full: https://t.co/0OWLML0wPy pic.twitter.com/6mLHG5YefG
— Voice of the People (@VoiceofPD) March 22, 2025
Strengthening Anglo-American Relations
The potential Commonwealth associate membership is viewed as a strategic move to bolster relations between the United States and United Kingdom. Despite America’s historical independence from Britain, this new diplomatic connection would create a symbolic bridge between the two nations and potentially ease US-Canada trade tensions.
While Buckingham Palace has not officially commented on the report, the proposal has generated significant discussion. The Commonwealth Secretariat, not King Charles, ultimately determines membership, and details of what associate membership would entail remain unclear.
King Charles III became head of the Commonwealth following Queen Elizabeth II’s death in 2022. Of the 56 Commonwealth member states, 36 are republics without the British monarch as Head of State, demonstrating the organization’s evolution beyond its colonial origins.
If the proposal moves forward, it would represent a significant shift in America’s international alignments and strengthen the special relationship between the United States and United Kingdom. The White House has not provided additional information about potential Commonwealth membership as discussions continue at diplomatic levels.