David Vance SubstackRead More
Nearly 250 years after America declared independence from Great Britain, President Donald Trump suggested he was open to taking a small step back towards the warm embrace of the British monarchy after a media outlet reported that King Charles intends to extend an offer for the United States to join the Commonwealth of Nations.
The King is reportedly preparing to extend the offer of “associate membership” in the voluntary association of 56 nations, most of which have history as former British colonies. Trump, it seems, is open to the idea.
Writing on his Truth Social platform while sharing an article referencing the unprecedented offer, Trump said: “I Love King Charles. Sounds good to me!”
OK, if this is 3D chess. I need to have you explain it to me! Why on Earth would the US want “associate” Commonwealth status?
Let’s start by understanding the nature of the Commonwealth!
The British Commonwealth, now simply called the Commonwealth, is a voluntary association of 56 member states, most of which are former territories of the British Empire. It promotes cooperation on issues like democracy, human rights, and economic development.
The U.S., however, has a unique history: it was once a British colony but gained independence through revolution in 1776, rejecting British rule. This sets it apart from most Commonwealth nations, which transitioned to independence more gradually and often retained symbolic ties, like recognizing the British monarch as head of state (e.g., Canada, Australia).
Politically, the U.S. joining the Commonwealth is a tough sell. American identity is deeply tied to its independence from Britain—think Fourth of July, the Constitution, and all that. Signing up for an organisation where the British monarch is a ceremonial head (even if symbolic for many members) would clash with that ethos.
Plus, the U.S. is already a global superpower with its own alliances, like NATO and bilateral partnerships. Joining the Commonwealth wouldn’t add much strategic value—Washington doesn’t need London’s help to project influence.
Economically, the case is weak too. The U.S. has the world’s largest economy (nominal GDP around $28 trillion in 2025 estimates), dwarfing most Commonwealth members except maybe India or the UK. Trade with Commonwealth nations like Canada and Australia already happens through existing frameworks—no need for a new club. The Commonwealth doesn’t offer a unified market like the EU, so the economic perks are limited.
British sources suggest;
“Donald Trump loves Britain and has great respect for the Royal Family, so we believe he would see the benefits of this. Associate membership could, hopefully, be followed by full membership, making the Commonwealth even more important as a global organisation”
I think that’s so much hot air.
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