United States President Donald Trump is reportedly angry with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham after the latter named Ed Miliband as the United Kingdom’s new foreign minister.
White House insiders have warned that the new appointment of Miliband, who has repeatedly criticized the US president, could strain relations between the two allies.
According to The Independent, people close to the White House believe that Trump has not forgotten Miliband’s years of criticism of him.
A source said the US president “won’t forget” the comments despite Burnham’s efforts to repair relations with Washington.
Miliband has criticized Trump repeatedly over the years, describing him as a threat to democracy and opposing several of his policies. He has often criticized the leader of the Republican Party for his position on climate change and international cooperation.
Britain’s new foreign secretary once described the 80-year-old US president as “a self-confessed racist, misogynist fumbler”.
As Foreign Secretary, he will now become Britain’s most senior diplomat and one of the key figures tasked with dealing directly with the Trump administration.
The reported frustration comes just days after Burnham spoke with Trump following his appointment as prime minister.
Both sides publicly described the conversation as positive, raising hopes that the two governments could maintain close ties despite their political differences.
Despite concerns in Washington, British officials insist that the “special relationship” between the UK and the US remains a priority.
Miliband is also expected to work closely with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on issues ranging from Ukraine and the Middle East to trade and climate policy.
