King Charles III delivered a historic address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday, marking his first speech as monarch to the U.S. legislature. The speech, which celebrated the 250th anniversary of American independence from British rule, emphasized shared democratic values, NATO alliances, and climate action. President Donald Trump praised the address at a state dinner, while comedian Tim Allen mocked lawmakers who attended the speech amid ongoing 'No Kings' protests. The White House posted a photo of Trump and Charles with the caption 'TWO KINGS,' sparking mixed reactions online.
Reactions to the Speech
Lawmakers from both parties responded to King Charles' address. Democrats led a standing ovation, while Republicans, including Rep. Greg Steube, noted the irony of 'No Kings' protesters attending the event. The 'No Kings' movement, which gained national attention in 2026, has criticized monarchies and authoritarian leadership.
Political and Cultural Context
The speech occurred amid heightened political tensions, with some critics comparing Trump's leadership style to monarchy. The White House's 'TWO KINGS' post was seen by some as a jab at political opponents, while others dismissed it as a lighthearted joke. Meanwhile, comedian Jimmy Kimmel faced backlash from Trump supporters after joking about Melania Trump, leading to threats against ABC's station licenses.
Public and Media Responses
Social media users highlighted the irony of 'No Kings' activists applauding a monarch, while others praised King Charles' eloquence. The speech also reignited debates about U.S. alliances, climate policy, and the role of monarchy in modern governance. Allen, who recently completed a 13-month study of the Bible, did not elaborate on his criticism beyond the initial post.