The forthcoming book “The Queen and Her Presidents: The Hidden Hand That Shaped History” offers an intriguing glimpse into the admiration former President Donald Trump held for the late Queen Elizabeth II. This admiration was rooted in a particular trait of the Queen that Trump found enviable.
The historical connection between the United States and the United Kingdom is a long-standing one, tracing back to the days when America declared its independence from British rule in the 18th century. Despite those revolutionary beginnings, the two nations have maintained a close relationship. During Queen Elizabeth’s remarkable 70-year reign, she witnessed interactions with 14 U.S. presidents, many of whom embarked on state visits to meet her.
Among these presidents was Donald Trump, who shared a memorable encounter with the Queen in a conversation captured by author Susan Page for her upcoming book, set to be released on April 14. Trump recounted to Page a particular moment that left a lasting impression on him.
“I asked her, ‘So could I ask you who was your favorite president?’” Trump recalled with curiosity.
The Queen, with her characteristic diplomacy, reportedly answered, “Why? They were all so good.”
Unfazed, Trump pressed further, “I know, but did you like Ronald Reagan the best?”
“Oh, yes, I liked him very much, but they were all good,” she said.
After asking her about former President Richard Nixon as well and getting a similar response, Trump asked, “So what do you mean, you liked them all?”
“I liked them all. I can’t say anything bad about any of them. They were great,” the Queen said.
Trump then recalled pivoting to ask about British prime ministers, asking if Winston Churchill was her favorite.
“No, no, no. He was wonderful, Winston. But they were all so good. They worked so hard. They were very different, but they worked so hard. They were all so good,” the Queen replied.
Trump was reportedly dazzled by her graceful social tact.
“I said to myself, ‘How genius is this?’” he told the author. “I couldn’t get her to say a bad thing about anybody. She was amazing, actually. And not for any reason other than I don’t think she wanted to create controversy. It was unnecessary.”
“For Trump, she prompted a rare moment of self-reflection,” Page wrote.
“I hate to say this because it’s very disparaging to myself. She was sort of the opposite of me. She didn’t mix it up,” Trump admitted. “She was there for so many decades, and she literally never made a mistake, if you think about it. I mean, everyone was making mistakes around her, but she never made a mistake.”
