Donald Trump has never been one to mince words—and this time, his sights were once again on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. While standing beside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at a recent press conference in Scotland, Trump delivered what many are calling a thinly veiled but brutally clear swipe at the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. With a smirk and carefully chosen words, he praised King Charles and Queen Camilla as “great people,” before adding pointedly, “You could have people that weren’t great people… I don’t know if I can say that, but you could have people that weren’t.”
The audience didn’t need names. The message was unmistakable.
Social media exploded almost immediately. Royal fans and critics of Meghan and Harry alike celebrated what they saw as Trump’s trademark “shade”—a public jab disguised as a backhanded compliment. Though he didn’t name the Sussexes, it was crystal clear who he was referring to. Once again, Trump managed to stir the pot without saying too much. And for him, that’s the whole point.
This isn’t the first time Trump has gone after Meghan and Harry. In fact, it’s become something of a recurring theme. Earlier this year, in a February interview, Trump called Meghan “terrible” and said Harry “is being led around by his nose.” He even remarked that Harry didn’t need to be deported from the U.S. because, in Trump’s words, “he’s got enough problems with his wife.” The comment went viral then—and his latest comments are proving just as explosive.
So why does Trump keep going after them? The answer is partly political, partly personal, and mostly performative.
Meghan has publicly supported Democratic causes and voter awareness campaigns, making her an easy target for Trump and his base. Her Hollywood ties, progressive stances, and open criticism of the monarchy in the infamous Oprah interview all clash with Trump’s brand of populist conservatism. Add to that the couple’s lucrative media deals and high-profile projects, and you’ve got all the ingredients for a Trump takedown.
But it’s more than politics. Trump seems to view the couple as symbols of everything he dislikes: perceived disloyalty, media manipulation, and elite hypocrisy. For a man who thrives on headlines, going after Harry and Meghan guarantees attention—and it plays well with audiences who already see the Sussexes as entitled or out of touch.
What makes this moment different, though, is the delivery. Trump didn’t rant or rage. He delivered his blow with a grin, calmly, standing next to a newly elected British leader. The contrast between his warm praise for King Charles and Queen Camilla and his carefully loaded follow-up was deliberate. It wasn’t a rant—it was a calculated insult designed to stir buzz without crossing any diplomatic lines.
And it worked. Instantly, headlines ran with interpretations, memes were made, and once again, Meghan and Harry found themselves at the center of a conversation they didn’t start—but now can’t escape.
While the couple remains silent on Trump’s remarks, the timing couldn’t be more inconvenient. With talks swirling about Lilibet’s possible public debut, new Netflix content on the horizon, and a potential rebranding of their media presence, the last thing they need is another headline fueled by outside controversy. But that’s exactly what Trump delivers best.
At the end of the day, Trump knows exactly what he's doing. He didn’t need to say Meghan and Harry’s names—because everyone watching already knew. And in typical Trump fashion, he’s made sure that, once again, the spotlight swings back toward two of the most talked-about figures in modern royal history—whether they like it or not.