• Trump claims King Charles III's visit may help repair US-UK relations.
• The royal couple will embark on a four-day visit beginning Monday.
• Trump criticized UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's immigration policies.

US President Donald Trump has expressed confidence that King Charles III's forthcoming state visit to the United States could "absolutely" mend the strained relations between the two countries. In a recent interview with the BBC, Trump described the King as "fantastic" and emphasized the positive potential of the visit, which will commence on Monday. This visit marks Charles's first state visit as monarch and will include a meeting with Trump at the White House, followed by travels to New York and Virginia before returning to the UK, according to BBC, SCMP, and Channel News Asia.

Amidst ongoing transatlantic tensions due to the Iran war and various scandals, Trump reiterated the importance of the visit in improving US-UK ties. He also harshly criticized UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for his handling of the situation, particularly regarding immigration policies and military support in the Iran conflict. "They should have been there" was Trump's remark on the UK's response, as he underscored a belief that Starmer's recovery depends on reforming energy policies relating to North Sea oil and gas extraction, according to BBC, SCMP, and Channel News Asia.

Trump's assessment comes at a time when the UK government faces scrutiny over its decisions, including the recent appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US, which has drawn connections to the late Jeffrey Epstein. The ramifications of these controversies, coupled with the invitation for King Charles through his government and Trump, may pose challenges during this landmark visit, as recognized by BBC, SCMP, and Channel News Asia.