As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his second term, speculation is mounting over potential repercussions for Prince Harry's U.S. visa status, given the strained relationship between Trump and the Sussexes. Reports suggest that Harry's past drug use, detailed in his memoir Spare, could lead to scrutiny of his immigration status-a matter that has reportedly "been on Donald Trump's mind" according to royal commentator Lee Cohen.
In a recent interview with GB News, Cohen noted that while addressing Harry's visa issue may not be Trump's immediate priority, it remains a point of interest. "With Donald Trump's historic landmark landslide win, I imagine there have been some sleepless nights in Montecito," Cohen remarked, hinting at anxiety within the Sussex household. The tense relationship dates back to 2020, when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle urged Americans to reject hate and misinformation, widely interpreted as a dig at Trump.
The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, previously attempted to make Harry's visa records public, citing concerns that his admission of illegal drug use would have violated U.S. immigration law. However, a U.S. judge denied their request, citing the Duke of Sussex's privacy rights.
Trump, who has long been critical of the Sussexes, has made clear his disdain for Harry's perceived disloyalty to the late Queen Elizabeth II. During a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference earlier this year, Trump said of Harry, "I wouldn't protect him. He betrayed the Queen. That's unforgivable." Trump also expressed his admiration for the late monarch, calling her an "incredible woman" with "great and beautiful grace."
Speculation over Trump's intentions toward Prince Harry intensified after his son, Eric Trump, publicly criticized the Sussexes. "No one cares" about Harry and Meghan, Eric declared, adding that his father would not forget past slights from the couple. Cohen echoed these sentiments, stating that "President Trump doesn't forget these slights."
During an interview with GB News' Nigel Farage, Trump suggested that if evidence surfaced of Harry lying on his visa application, "appropriate action" should be taken, potentially leading to deportation. "We'll have to see if they know something about the drugs, and if he lied, they'll have to take appropriate action," Trump stated. While he stopped short of explicitly calling for deportation, his comments left the door open for possible action.
Prince Harry's admission in his memoir Spare of past drug use, including cocaine and cannabis, has raised questions about the accuracy of his visa application. Immigration law generally requires applicants to disclose any history of substance abuse, and misrepresentation can lead to serious consequences, including deportation.
The Sussexes have been living in California since stepping back from royal duties in 2020. Meghan Markle, an American citizen, has not faced similar scrutiny over her residency status. However, Harry's attempts to secure permanent U.S. residency have become fodder for political speculation.
Trump's return to the White House could reignite tensions with the Sussexes, who have faced growing scrutiny and waning popularity in the United States. Royal commentator Cohen observed, "Wherever the Sussexes drop anchor, they seem to wear out their welcome," suggesting that the couple's public image may further deteriorate under a Trump administration.
Eric Trump, who has previously voiced disdain for Harry and Meghan, told the Daily Mail that America no longer "gives a damn" about the couple. Despite this, he downplayed the likelihood of deportation, stating, "I don't give a damn if he did drugs. It means nothing. I can tell you that our father and our entire family has tremendous respect for the monarchy."
