Upcoming book reveals Trump admired Queen Elizabeth II, calls her ‘opposite of me’ in one key skill

Trump noted that despite his efforts, he could not get Queen Elizabeth II to say anything negative about anyone
PUBLISHED MAR 25, 2026
A preview of 'The Queen and Her Presidents: The Hidden Hand That Shaped History' revealed a striking moment of admiration from Donald Trump toward Queen Elizabeth II (Getty images)
A preview of 'The Queen and Her Presidents: The Hidden Hand That Shaped History' revealed a striking moment of admiration from Donald Trump toward Queen Elizabeth II (Getty images)

WASHINGTON, DC: Donald Trump once found himself unexpectedly impressed and even a little humbled during a conversation with Queen Elizabeth II, according to a preview of an upcoming book.

The moment, detailed in 'The Queen and Her Presidents: The Hidden Hand That Shaped History', offers a rare glimpse into how Trump viewed the late monarch’s diplomatic style and how different it was from his own.



Trump recalls conversation that stuck with him

The book, written by Susan Page and set to be published on April 14, explores Queen Elizabeth’s interactions with US presidents over her 70-year reign.

Trump, one of the 14 presidents who met the Queen, shared a particular exchange that left a lasting impression.

“I said, ‘So could I ask you who was your favorite president?’” Trump recalled asking her.

According to him, the Queen didn’t take the bait.

WINDSOR, ENGLAND - JULY 13: Queen Elizabeth II and President of the United States, Donald Trump walk from the Quadrangle after inspecting an honour guard at Windsor Castle on July 13, 2018 in Windsor, England. Her Majesty welcomed the President and Mrs Trump at the dais in the Quadrangle of the Castle. A Guard of Honour, formed of the Coldstream Guards, gave a Royal Salute and the US National Anthem was played. The Queen and the President inspected the Guard of Honour before watching the military march past. The President and First Lady then joined Her Majesty for tea at the Castle. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Queen Elizabeth II and President of the United States, Donald Trump walk from the Quadrangle after inspecting an honour guard at Windsor Castle on July 13, 2018 in Windsor, England (Getty Images)

“Why? They were all so good,” she replied.

Trump said he tried to push further, bringing up Ronald Reagan and later Richard Nixon, but the Queen remained consistent.

“I liked him very much, but they were all good,” she said of Reagan.

When Trump pressed again, she responded, “I liked them all. I can’t say anything bad about any of them. They were great.”

Queen Elizabeth’s careful diplomacy stands out

The conversation didn’t stop there. Trump said he also asked about British leaders, including Winston Churchill.

Again, the Queen refused to single anyone out.

“No, no, no. He was wonderful, Winston. But they were all so good… They were very different, but they worked so hard,” she said.

For Trump, the exchange became more than just small talk - it turned into a lesson in diplomacy.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 03: U.S. President Donald Trump and Queen Elizabeth II attend a State Banquet
US President Donald Trump attended a State Banquet with Queen Elizabeth II during his UK state visit (Getty Images)

“I said to myself, ‘How genius is this?’” he told the author.

“I couldn’t get her to say a bad thing about anybody. She was amazing, actually.”

He added that her approach wasn’t accidental.

“I don’t think she wanted to create controversy. It was unnecessary,” Trump said.

A rare moment of self-reflection from Trump

According to Page, the interaction led to a rare moment of introspection for Trump.

“I hate to say this because it’s very disparaging to myself. She was sort of the opposite of me,” Trump admitted.

“She didn’t mix it up.”

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 03:  U.S. President Donald Trump is greeted by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingh
US President Donald Trump is greeted by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace on June 3, 2019 in London, England. President Trump's three-day state visit will include lunch with the Queen, and a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace, as well as business meetings with the Prime Minister and the Duke of York, before travelling to Portsmouth to mark the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings (Getty Images)

He went on to reflect on the Queen’s long reign and steady public image.

“She was there for so many decades, and she literally never made a mistake, if you think about it,” he said. “I mean, everyone was making mistakes around her, but she never made a mistake.”

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