Charley Hull, the British LPGA standout, traded her golf clubs for evening gowns this week — and made herself center-spotlight in more ways than one. At the Windsor Castle state banquet during Donald Trump’s UK state visit, Hull didn’t just swap gear; she offered up a full-on declaration: “I love Trump. I think he’s brilliant.” Cue instant headlines, memes, and some amateur political analysts asking whether pro golfers should stick to par and birdies.
Here’s a deep dive (complete with snark, admiration, and a touch of irony) into what Charley Hull said, what people are saying back, and why this story has legs beyond the fairway.
What Charley Hull Actually Did and Said
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Just after winning the Kroger Queen City Championship, Hull was invited to the state banquet at Windsor Castle as part of President Trump’s state visit. She posted glamorous photos to Instagram: satin gown, royal halls, major evening. She called the night “unforgettable.” The Times of India++3Golf Monthly+3
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More than just looking fancy, she publicly expressed admiration. Among her quotes: “I love Trump. I think he’s brilliant.” She praised his candor, saying she liked how he “says things, he doesn’t care what people think, and he’s straight to the point.” She even quipped she wished he could be “head of the UK.” The Sun+2Golfmagic+2
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Trump, apparently appreciating the shout-out, invited her to play a round of golf together. They discussed arranging a game before year-end. Hull said he was engaging, friendly, and familiar with players on the LPGA Tour.
The Reactions: Admiration, Backlash & Meme Fuel
From Fans & Followers
Many applauded her boldness. In a world where athletes are often pressured to stay apolitical, Hull saying what she thought caught attention. Some admire her straightforward style: glamorous, unfiltered, and willing to risk the heat.
Others saw her comments as polarizing. The idea of a public sports figure saying they like Trump more than their own Prime Minister stirs all kinds of responses: applause from some, outrage from others.
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From Media & Critics
The tabloid engines are already running. Papers published headlines emphasizing the contrast between her glamour at Windsor and the political weight of her words. Golf-media outlets are asking whether this kind of comment helps or hurts her brand, what sponsors think, and whether her identity as a pro athlete now includes political persona.
Some critics wonder: did she say these things because she really believes them, or is this an example of how celebrity interacts with media optics? Glam appearance at a royal event + a bold quote = news gold.
Why This Declared ‘Love’ Matters More Than It Looks
It’s not just about golf. Charley Hull’s statement intersects several ongoing trends and tensions in celebrity culture:
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Athletes + politics. More pro athletes speak up on political issues these days. Fans expect them to sometimes weigh in. But many also caution: politics can alienate sponsors, fans, or entire communities.
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Public persona and branding. For someone like Hull, who already carries a public image (golf wins, style, presence), mixing strong political commentary changes how the public and brands might see her.
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Celebrity diplomacy. A state banquet is not just dinner; it’s spectacle, positioning, soft power. When an athlete praises a political figure in that context, it becomes part of the spectacle.
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Pop culture optics. The combination: gold gowns, royalty, famous attendees, political tension, shining camera lights. It’s visually and narratively dramatic. People love a shiny juxtaposition.
Charley Hull on her smoking habits pic.twitter.com/DlMH7krHz5
— St. André Golf (@StAndreGolf) May 19, 2025
The Possible Risks for Hull
While there’s admiration, there’s also risk:
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Sponsor backlash. Some brands try to stay neutral. If Hull’s sponsors prefer apolitical visibility, some will be uneasy.
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Fan divisions. Fans who dislike Trump may feel betrayed or disenchanted. It could create friction in her public image—especially in international contexts.
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Typecasting. She may become known not just as golfer Charley Hull, but “the golf star who loves Trump.” That label could stick, for better or worse.
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Media overexposure. Sometimes speaking so bluntly invites criticism, distortions, or misquotations. Once you go on record, every nuance gets picked apart.
Little bit of golf, little bit of living 😅💪📷 pic.twitter.com/7DRdu8ycAq
— Charley Hull (@CharleyHul11) September 10, 2025
An unforgettable evening at Windsor Castle 🏰 👑
It was an honour to be invited by the King and Queen to the State Banquet. And great to finally meet President Trump. One for the memory books 📚 ✨️ 😇 pic.twitter.com/poZfipUxOp— Charley Hull (@CharleyHul11) September 18, 2025
What This Says About Celebrity Culture & Politics in 2025
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Having strong political stances (or at least bold admiration) feels less taboo than it did just a few years ago. Social media and cultural fragmentation encourage celebrities to take sides—some assertively, some tentatively.
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The optics of power still matter: royals, state dinners, political leadership. Mixing fashion, sport, and political admiration adds dramatic weight more so than casual Instagram posts.
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Public figures are more aware that every public appearance (especially at high-profile events) is also communication. What you wear, who sits next to you, what you say in speeches or interviews—it all becomes part of the message.
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Also, the persona of “truth-talker” (someone who doesn’t care what people think and says what they believe) is appealing to many. There’s a celebrity archetype now: glamorous, bold, slightly controversial. Hull’s comments play into that archetype.
What We Still Don’t Know
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Did she really say “I love Trump” in quite those words? Quotes sometimes get edited. We don’t have full transcript of her remarks to confirm every nuance.
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How serious is the “golf match” invite? Will it happen? Or is this another media moment that may drift away?
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What does this mean for her future sponsors or international engagements? Will she get more offers from pro-Trump aligned brands? Will she lose others?
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How does she balance this kind of political admiration with a global fan base that likely includes people who strongly oppose Trump?
Closing
Charley Hull’s Windsor walk, her gown, her admiration—deliberate or spontaneous—has turned her into a lightning rod. She showed up at one of the world’s most formal political-royal events and offered not just style, but opinion. For some, that’s refreshing. For others, it’s headline-bait.
Either way, she leaned in, not back. And with the golf match invite possibly on the horizon, this story might get another tee time. Speak boldly, golfers and celebs: Hollywood (and politics) still loves a scandalous shot. 😉
