On April 29, 2026, King Charles III gifted a bell from the decommissioned HMS Trump to former President Donald Trump during a state dinner at the White House. This event marks a significant moment in US-UK relations amid ongoing international tensions.
The bell belonged to HMS Trump, a WWII submarine built by Vickers-Armstrong. It was laid down at the end of 1942 and launched in early 1944. The submarine served valiantly in the Battle of the Pacific during WWII.
HMS Trump was decommissioned and scrapped in 1971 after over 25 years of service. King Charles III presented the bell as a testimony to the shared history between the UK and the US.
Before gifting the bell, King Charles addressed a joint session of the US Congress. He became the first British King to do so. His speech coincided with celebrations marking 250 years since the Declaration of Independence.
The engraved bell features the word ‘Trump’. During his remarks, King Charles said, “I’m delighted to present to you the original bell which hung on the conning tower of your valiant namesake. May it stand as a testimony to our nation’s shared history and shining future.”
Trump responded with his trademark bravado, stating, “NO MORE MR NICE GUY.” This exchange highlights their complex relationship, further complicated by Trump’s plans for a ‘Trump Class’ battleship set to be in service by 2028.
The gift emphasizes not only historical ties but also current political dynamics. As discussions around military capabilities continue, both nations navigate their roles in an evolving global landscape.