Eric Trump, son of former President Donald Trump, recently made headlines for his critical remarks about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. In an interview on August 4, 2024, he referred to the couple as “spoiled apples,” indicating they are not welcome in the United States.
During the discussion, Trump suggested that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex could be returned to the United Kingdom, a sentiment echoed by various critics of the couple. He further implied that their actions have tarnished their reputation, calling them the spoiled apples of the group.
Trump also voiced his family’s deep admiration for the British monarchy, referring to it as a revered institution worthy of preservation. This view aligns with the Trump family’s broader perspective, which champions traditional values and institutions.
The timing of Trump’s comments coincides with ongoing legal queries regarding Prince Harry’s US visa status. “Spare,” Prince Harry’s memoir, reveals his prior use of drugs such as cocaine, cannabis, and magic mushrooms. These admissions have sparked legal action from conservative organizations such as the Heritage Foundation, questioning if Harry disclosed this information in his visa applications.
In a conversation with broadcaster Nigel Farage in March, Donald Trump stressed that Prince Harry should not be given preferential treatment if he falsified information on his visa applications. The potential for deportation was suggested, raising uncertainty about Harry’s future in California where he lives with Meghan and their two children.
The Trump family has had a long-standing feud with the Sussexes, with Donald Trump frequently criticizing Meghan Markle for disrespecting the royal family and the late Queen Elizabeth II. The couple’s decision to exit their royal duties and relocate to the US in 2020 has also been a point of contention.
Eric Trump’s comments underscore the perceived estrangement of the Sussexes from both their American and British roots. He portrayed the Duke and Duchess as isolated, effectively on an island of their own.
The Trumps seem to have a more amicable relationship with other members of the royal family. Eric Trump pointed to his family’s bond with the late Princess Diana, stating that his mother, Ivana Trump, had a strong rapport with her.
Despite the ongoing discord, Eric Trump emphasized the significance of the UK-US relationship. He declared that his father, Donald Trump, would be the UK’s most reliable ally, portraying him as a defender of Western values and traditional institutions.
