Trump jokes with Melania that their marriage won’t match his parents’ 63-year union during WH speech

President Donald Trump said Mary Anne MacLeod met Fred Trump at 19 in America and they were married for 63 years
President Donald Trump joked to Melania Trump at a White House event for King Charles III and Queen Camilla their marriage won’t match his parents’ 63-year record (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Donald Trump joked to Melania Trump at a White House event for King Charles III and Queen Camilla their marriage won’t match his parents’ 63-year record (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump, during a White House ceremony honoring King Charles III and Queen Camilla on Tuesday, April 28, paused his televised address to humorously inform first lady Melania Trump that their marriage would likely not match the 63-year record held by his parents.

The lighthearted comment came as the president reflected on his Scottish-born mother’s love for the British monarchy while standing before a crowd of dignitaries alongside his wife.



Trump jokes about marriage duration with Melania

While speaking to attendees, the president shifted from diplomacy to his family history, specifically the marriage of Fred Trump and Mary Anne MacLeod.

He noted that his mother met his father shortly after arriving in America at age 19.

"She came to America at 19, met my incredible father, we loved him so much, we all loved him, we loved her, we loved him: Fred. And, they were married for 63 years," Trump said.

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 28: Queen Camila and First lady Melania Trump attend a state arrival ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House on April 28, 2026 in Washington, DC. President Trump and King Charles III will participate in a number of activities including a bilateral meeting in the Oval Office, with the king later addressing a joint meeting of the United States Congress. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Queen Camila and First lady Melania Trump attend a state arrival ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House on April 28, 2026 in Washington, DC (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Then, turning toward Melania, who sat behind him on stage alongside the British royals, he delivered a quip about their own timeline. "And, uh, excuse me, if you don’t mind, that’s a record we won’t be able to match, darling," he said.

As the audience laughed, he added, "I’m sorry, it’s just not going to work out that way. We’ll do well, but we’re not going to do that well."

The couple, who married in 2005 and share 20-year-old son Barron, would need to remain married for several more decades to reach that milestone.

President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla stand on the Blue room Balcony during a State Visit arrival ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House, Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla stand on the Blue room Balcony during a State Visit arrival ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House, Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Washington (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Trump recalls mother’s love for royal family

The president used the story to explain his mother’s deep admiration for the royal family.

"My mother, I just see it so clearly, she loved, I told the king this, she loved the royal family, and she loved the queen," he shared.

He recalled how she would stay "glued to the television" to watch the late Queen Elizabeth II, telling him, "Look, Donald, look how beautiful that is." He also revealed a humorous family memory involving the king.

President Donald Trump and Britain's King Charles III talk during a State Visit arrival ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House, Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Donald Trump and Britain's King Charles III talk during a State Visit arrival ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House, Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Washington (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

"She really did love the family, but I also remember her saying, very clearly, ‘Charles, look, young Charles, he’s so cute.’ My mom! My mother had a crush on Charles, can you believe it? I wonder what she’s thinking right now!"

The event took place only days after a serious security breach at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

A suspect named Cole Tomas Allen was arrested after shots were fired during an alleged attempt targeting the president.

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