Donald Trump Breaks His Silence After Harry and Meghan Leave the United States
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to return to the United Kingdom after nearly six years in America has generated reactions on both sides of the Atlantic. But few responses were awaited with as much curiosity as that of President Donald Trump, whose strained relationship with the Sussexes has been well documented.
Some of Trump’s political allies quickly suggested that his return to the White House had influenced the couple’s departure. When the president was finally asked about Harry and Meghan during an Oval Office exchange with reporters, he delivered a short response that left little doubt about his feelings.
“I’m happy about it. I was not a fan,” Trump said.
He did not stop there.
A difficult relationship years in the making
Tensions between Trump and the Sussexes did not begin with their departure from California.
Meghan criticized Trump before becoming a member of the Royal Family, and the president later described her as “nasty,” while insisting that his comment had been directed at her earlier remarks about him.
Harry’s relationship with the president also became increasingly complicated. Trump repeatedly condemned the couple’s decision to step away from their positions as senior working royals in 2020, regarding it as an act of disloyalty toward Queen Elizabeth II.
The Sussexes subsequently settled in California with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. From there, they pursued commercial, charitable and media projects while publicly discussing their experiences inside the Royal Family.
Their interviews, documentary series and Harry’s memoir intensified a family conflict already unfolding in public. Trump consistently sided with the monarchy, particularly the late Queen.
The unresolved controversy surrounding Harry’s visa
Harry’s American immigration status also became the subject of a lengthy legal dispute after he wrote about past drug use in his memoir, Spare.
The Heritage Foundation sought access to his immigration records through Freedom of Information Act litigation. The conservative organization argued that the public deserved to know whether Harry had disclosed his history accurately and whether he had received preferential treatment from American officials.
The legal effort did not establish that Harry had lied on his application, nor did it publicly reveal the type of visa he held. His immigration documents remained protected, leaving the central questions unanswered.
Before returning to office, Trump said Harry should not receive special protection if authorities discovered that he had provided false information. Those comments fueled speculation that the prince might face immigration consequences under a new Trump administration.
No official finding of wrongdoing was ever announced, however, and the administration did not publicly move to deport him.
Even after Harry left the country, campaigners involved in the records dispute suggested that the controversy might follow him. They argued that any future attempt to return to the United States could renew questions about his immigration status, although there is currently no public evidence that he has been barred from entering.
Trump praises the royals—and condemns the Sussexes
When discussing the couple’s return to Britain, Trump quickly shifted attention toward his relationship with the Royal Family.
He recalled knowing Queen Elizabeth and described their relationship as exceptionally warm. He also praised King Charles, whom he first met while Charles was still Prince of Wales.
“He’s a great, great guy,” Trump said of the King.
The president then accused Harry and Meghan of treating the monarchy with “great disrespect.” His criticism appeared particularly focused on Meghan, whose public accusations about royal life have repeatedly drawn Trump’s disapproval.
“I didn’t like it,” he told reporters, before adding that he would not have welcomed the couple back if the decision had been his.
“If I were the Royal Family, I would not have taken them back,” he said.
What their return actually means
Harry and Meghan reportedly arrived in Britain with Archie, Lilibet and their pets in late August. They are believed to be establishing a private residence in the Cotswolds, although reports identifying the precise property or its owner have not been officially confirmed.
The couple is expected to remain in the country for an extended period while continuing to live as private individuals.
Their return does not restore their former positions as working members of the monarchy. When they stepped away from royal duties, Queen Elizabeth rejected their proposed arrangement under which they would have combined official responsibilities with an independent commercial life.
That decision remains unchanged.
Reports indicate that King Charles was informed about their plans and welcomed the possibility of spending more time with his son and grandchildren. Whether the move will lead to a broader reconciliation with other members of the family—especially Prince William—remains uncertain.
The Sussexes are also expected to retain their properties and interests outside Britain, meaning their relocation may not represent a complete or permanent separation from the United States.
A new chapter with an old conflict unresolved
For Harry and Meghan, moving back to Britain could provide an opportunity to rebuild private family relationships while remaining outside the formal structure of royal life.
For Trump, however, their departure appears to confirm a position he has maintained for years: that the couple treated the monarchy unfairly and should not expect to return without criticism.
His response lasted only a few moments, but it reopened nearly every controversy surrounding the Sussexes—their break with royal tradition, Meghan’s public accusations, Harry’s immigration records and the family relationships damaged along the way.
Harry and Meghan may have crossed the Atlantic in search of a new beginning.
Donald Trump’s message made clear that the arguments they left behind in America have followed them home.
