Rod Stewart to King Charles on Trump: “You Put That Little Ratbag in His Place”
The article employs celebrity anecdote as its primary framing device, centering an entertainer's informal commentary rather than substantive policy analysis. Language is largely neutral in the reporting sections ('lauded,' 'emphasized,' 'called on'), but the headline and lede amplify Stewart's crude characterization ('little ratbag') without editorial distance, giving outsized prominence to a tabloid-friendly moment.
Primary voices: celebrity or public figure, media outlet, elected official
- This article does not address the substance of King Charles's policy positions on Ukraine, NATO, or the U.S.-UK alliance beyond characterizing them as 'emphatic.'
- This article does not provide context on the King's Trust's mission or why this particular event is newsworthy beyond the celebrity moment.
- This article does not examine the diplomatic appropriateness or consequences of a musician publicly rebuking a U.S. president at a royal event.
Framing may shift if Trump responds publicly to Stewart's comments or if the underlying U.S.-UK diplomatic relationship experiences strain.
Neutral languageWire/aggregatedBoth-sides framing
At a King’s Trust event held in London on Monday, Rod Stewart lauded King Charles for his recent visit to the United States and summit with Donald Trump, telling him: “You were superb. Absolutely superb. You put that little ratbag in his place.” Charles appeared to laugh at Stewart’s remark.
During his state visit last month, Charles emphasized the “indispensable alliance” between the United State and United Kingdom while also reminding Trump that America might be “speaking French” if not for the Brits. He also spoke for Congress, where he called on America’s continued defense of Ukraine and the stressed the importance of NATO.
Earlier this year, Stewart posted a social media video criticizing Trump after he questioned the courage of NATO troops who served in Afghanistan. Trump later walked back the remarks.
It’s worth noting that Stewart and Trump used to be close friends, but the musician said he ended the relationship over the president’s support of Israel.
A slightly tricky moment for King Charles tonight at the Kings Trust event as singer Rod Stewart tells him of his recent state visit to the US: ‘May I say well done in the Americas. You were superb. Absolutely superb. You put that little rat bag in his place….’ pic.twitter.com/5s3gPbpTPG
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first.
Sign in to leave a comment.