In an interview on Sunday, August 4, 2024, Eric Trump, son of former President Donald Trump, publicly castigated Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, labeling them as “spoiled apples.” The implication was that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are not welcome in the U.S.
Eric Trump proposed that the U.K. might be willing to reclaim Meghan and Harry, and the U.S. would be ready to repatriate them. His remarks mirror the opinion of numerous critics of the pair. He further proposed that every group could contain its share of “spoiled apples,” hinting at the couple’s actions negatively affecting their image.
Eric Trump went on to articulate his family’s deep respect for the British monarchy, which he called a splendid institution, esteemed by many Americans and worthy of preservation. His comments correspond with the wider viewpoint of the Trump family, which sees itself as a defender of conventional values and institutions.
These comments coincide with the ongoing legal examination concerning Prince Harry’s U.S. visa status. In his autobiography “Spare,” Harry confessed to using drugs such as cocaine, cannabis, and magic mushrooms. These revelations have sparked legal objections from conservative organizations like the Heritage Foundation, which are questioning whether Harry disclosed his drug use in his visa applications.
Former President Donald Trump addressed the issue in March with broadcaster Nigel Farage, emphasizing that if Prince Harry lied on his visa applications, he shouldn’t be treated differently. Trump indicated that the authorities need to verify if there is any information about drug use, and if Prince Harry lied, they should take the necessary measures. This statement hinted at the possibility of deportation and raised questions about Harry’s future in California, where he lives with Meghan and their two children.
There has been a long-standing tension between the Trump family and the Sussexes. Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized Meghan Markle, accusing her of showing disrespect towards the royal family and the late Queen Elizabeth II. He also disapproved of the couple’s decision to renounce their royal obligations and relocate to the United States in 2020.
Eric Trump’s comments underscore the apparent disconnect between the Sussexes and the rest of the British Royal Family. He indicated that Harry and Meghan appear detached from both their British and American origins, portraying them as being on their own separate path.
Although the Trump family’s criticism of Harry and Meghan is well-documented, their relationship with other members of the royal family appears more amicable. Eric Trump referred to his family’s relationship with the late Princess Diana, stating that his mother, Ivana Trump, had a strong bond with her. He suggested that this relationship offers the Trump family unique insights into the workings of the royal institution.
Despite the ongoing tensions, Eric Trump emphasized the significance of the relationship between the UK and the US. He stated that there couldn’t be a better ally for the UK than Donald Trump, casting his father as a defender of Western values and traditional institutions.
