King Charles III gave U.S. President Donald Trump a taste of his own medicine at a White House state dinner on Tuesday (April 28, 2026) when he joked that without the British, Americans would be speaking French.

As the heads of state traded jokes during their dinner toasts, King Charles referenced previous comments by Mr. Trump aimed at European allies he accuses of freeloading on defense since World War II.

“You recently commented, Mr. President, that if it were not for the United States, European countries would be speaking German. Dare I say that, if it wasn’t for us, you’d be speaking French,” king Charles quipped.