King Charles US visit live: Monarch defends NATO and Royal Navy from Trump rebukes in address to US Congress

King Charles III used a historic address to the U.S. Congress to offer a subtle but stinging rebuke of President Donald Trump’s often-monarchical ambitions as he hailed the separation of powers that replaced the British monarchy in the former colonies all those years ago.

Republican Representative Tim Burchett, an ally of President Donald Trump, said he was “more excited to hang out” with singer Kid Rock and former professional wrestler Ric Flair than King Charles.

“I just saw King Charles. I was actually more excited to hang out with @KidRock and @RicFlairNatrBoy,” Burchett wrote.

“Mr Vice President, Mr Speaker, members of Congress, representatives of the American people across all states, territories, cities and communities.

I would like, if I may, to take this opportunity to express my particular gratitude to you all for the great honour of addressing this joint meeting of Congress and, on behalf of the Queen and myself, to thank the American people for welcoming us to the United States to mark this semi quincentennial year of the Declaration of Independence.

And for all of that time, our destinies as nations have been interlinked.”

Read the rest of King Charles’ speech here:

King Charles did not directly address the victims of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse during his speech, but he did highlight the need to “support victims” of society’s ills.

“In both of our countries, it is the very fact of our vibrant, diverse and free societies that gives us our collective strength, including to support victims of some of the ills that, so tragically, exist in both our societies today,” Charles said.

A palace aide told NBC News this was Charles’ wish to address Epstein’s victims.

U.S. Congressman Ro Khanna, a leading figure in pushing for more transparency on Epstein, told MS NOW earlier Tuesday that the British ambassador said the king “may” mention something about the need for accountability.

This post has been updated to reflect a palace aide’s confirmation to NBC News.

The White House’s official X account called President Donald Trump a “King,” as King Charles III lauded checks and balances while speaking to a joint meeting of Congress.

Read more from Isabel Keane:

Looking to the future of the United States, leaders must consider protecting nature, King Charles III said in his joint address.

“As we look toward the next 250 years, we must also reflect on our shared responsibility to safeguard Nature, our most precious and irreplaceable asset,” Charles told members of Congress Tuesday afternoon.

Calling the U.S.’s natural wonders “a unique asset,” Charles reminded people that protecting the environment would be crucial for the future of the country.

“… Generations of Americans have risen to this calling: indigenous, political and civic leaders, people in rural communities and cities alike, have all helped to protect and nurture what President Theodore Roosevelt called ‘the glorious heritage’ of this land’s extraordinary natural splendour, on which so much of its prosperity has always depended,” King Charles said.

The Trump administration has rolled back many environmental protection policies and made it a goal to produce more fossil fuels.

King Charles emphasized the importance of the NATO alliance during his joint address to Congress – amid rising tensions between President Donald Trump and NATO leaders over the Iran war.

“From the depths of the Atlantic to the disastrously melting ice-caps of the Arctic, the commitment and expertise of the United States Armed Forces and its allies lie at the heart of NATO, pledged to each other’s defence, protecting our citizens and interests, keeping North Americans and Europeans safe from our common adversaries,” Charles said.

“Our defence, intelligence and security ties are hardwired together through relationships measured not in years, but in decades.”

During his speech, the King emphasized the importance of providing defense for Ukraine – a topic that has become controversial among lawmakers in the United States.

“Today, Mr. Speaker, that same, unyielding resolve is needed for the defence of Ukraine and her most courageous people – in order to secure a truly just and lasting peace,” King Charles said.