Royal fans make feelings clear after White House calls Donald Trump a 'king'

A photograph depicting President Donald Trump standing alongside King Charles at the White House has been shared on the official White House X account with the caption "TWO KINGS."

The image was posted on Tuesday to mark the British monarch's arrival in Washington for what represents the first state visit by a reigning British sovereign in almost 20 years.

King Charles and Queen Camilla received a ceremonial military welcome at the White House following their initial engagement at the British embassy on Monday evening.

The royal couple's four-day programme includes a state dinner, a visit to the 9/11 Memorial in New York, and a Virginia block party commemorating America's 250th anniversary of independence.

The American President has a history of likening himself to royalty.

Following a legal victory against New York City's congestion pricing scheme last winter, Mr Trump declared "LONG LIVE THE KING" on Truth Social.

The White House subsequently circulated an illustration showing Mr Trump adorned with a crown on a mock magazine cover styled after Time, reinforcing the regal messaging.

On Tuesday, Mr Trump shared a Daily Mail article suggesting he and King Charles might share a common ancestor, adding: "I've always wanted to live in Buckingham Palace!!!"

When questioned in June about whether the president considers himself a king, press secretary Karoline Leavitt responded: "The President views himself as the President of the United States of America.

"This is a constitutional republic."

The White House post provoked sharply contrasting responses on social media.

Critics condemned the imagery, with one commenter describing it as "absolutely abhorrent." Another labelled the President "a megalomaniac."

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Supporters, however, dismissed the controversy. "Take a breath. It's meant to be a joke," one defender wrote.

Another praised Mr Trump's approach, declaring him the "funniest President ever."

The divided reaction reflects broader tensions surrounding Mr Trump's second term, with thousands of Americans participating in "No Kings" demonstrations across the country since June.

Protest organisers have stated: "The president thinks his rule is absolute. But in America, we don't have kings."