Eric Trump has reignited the Trump family’s ongoing critique of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, branding Meghan as “pretty unpopular” and describing Harry as a “black sheep” who appears lost under her influence. In an interview with the Daily Mail, Eric lauded Prince William and Princess Kate for their poise and dedication to the royal family while casting the Sussexes in a less favorable light.
“Kate, I think she conducts herself so incredibly well and has been such a rock in the next generation of the family,” Eric said. “And William, obviously I don’t really think has made a misstep.” But when it came to Harry and Meghan, Eric didn’t hold back: “You look at this one black sheep [Harry] who doesn’t exactly know where he is, led by a wife who’s pretty unpopular, both here and over where you are.”
A History of Trump vs. Sussex Critiques
Eric’s comments come after years of tension between the Trump family and the Sussexes. Former President Donald Trump first criticized Meghan in 2020, saying, “I’m not a fan,” and over the years has alluded to disapproval of the couple’s public and political stances. Recently, speculation grew over whether Trump might reconsider Harry’s visa status if he wins another term, a topic Donald Trump hinted at during a March interview when he suggested action might be necessary if Harry had been dishonest about past drug use, as disclosed in his memoir Spare.
Right-wing think tank The Heritage Foundation has even taken legal steps to push for the release of Harry’s immigration records, arguing that his previous drug use should have prevented him from entering the United States. Donald Trump seemed to echo this sentiment earlier in the year, remarking, “If he lied, they’ll have to take appropriate action.” However, Eric Trump downplayed the importance of Harry’s past drug use, saying, “I don’t give a damn if he did drugs. It means nothing.” He added that despite any personal disagreements, “Our father and our entire family have tremendous respect for the monarchy.”
The Unwavering Trump Support for William and Kate
Eric’s praise of William and Kate highlights a distinct admiration for the couple’s commitment to royal duty, contrasting them with Harry and Meghan, who have taken a different, often controversial path. “William hasn’t made a misstep,” he said, reflecting a widespread perception among traditional royal fans that William and Kate have embraced their roles with dignity and reserve, while the Sussexes have sparked debates by sharing personal grievances and navigating high-profile media appearances.
Royal Tensions in a Divided Public Sphere
Public opinion remains sharply divided on the Sussexes. Meghan, in particular, has faced both fervent support and harsh criticism for her departure from royal tradition, advocacy work, and outspoken views on mental health and social justice. Harry’s immigration status in the U.S. has also fueled headlines, with some suggesting that his disclosures about past drug use in Spare could jeopardize his visa, an issue seemingly less significant to the Trumps, according to Eric’s latest comments.
The Trumps’ clear support for the monarchy—alongside their ongoing criticism of Harry and Meghan—continues to make headlines. Eric’s remarks reflect both a personal stance and the broader alignment of the Trump family with more traditional royal values, adding yet another layer to the complicated narrative around the Sussexes and their place within the royal family.
With such prominent figures weighing in, could the continued public scrutiny impact Harry and Meghan’s standing in both the U.K. and the U.S., or will it only solidify their commitment to the independent path they’ve chosen?
Sources for this article include the Daily Mail, Eric Trump’s statements, and The Heritage Foundation.
