President Donald Trump was a big fan of Queen Elizabeth II

This episode of USA Today's The Excerpt explores the complex and often underappreciated relationship between Queen Elizabeth II and the U.S. presidents she met throughout her 70-year reign. Host Wendy Novel interviews Susan Page, Washington Bureau Chief and author of 'The Queen and Her Presidents: The Hidden Hand That Shaped History,' who reveals that the Queen was not just a ceremonial figure but a shrewd diplomat who influenced global politics through personal diplomacy. The episode delves into pivotal moments—such as Truman calming a nervous young Elizabeth, Johnson’s refusal to meet her due to political and personal tensions, and Trump’s 2019 state visit marked by protocol breaches and a controversial brooch choice. Page shares that while Trump believed he was the Queen’s favorite, evidence suggests she held a deeper affection for Barack Obama, whom she called one of the 'giants of the 20th century.' The Queen’s subtle gestures—like wearing Michelle Obama’s brooch on the day Trump arrived—hinted at her political and emotional positioning. The episode also highlights how the Queen’s warmth toward Americans, especially during visits to California and Reagan’s ranch, contrasted with her more formal demeanor at home. Key takeaways include the idea that the Queen used personal diplomacy to maintain Britain’s global influence, that her relationships with presidents were strategic and emotionally nuanced, and that her choices—like wearing a gift from Michelle Obama—were deliberate signals. The episode underscores how a monarch’s quiet actions could carry significant weight in international relations. Despite the Queen’s public reserve, her private judgments and preferences shaped diplomatic dynamics in subtle but powerful ways.