The UK’s “wacky” ambassador to the US is “a very stupid guy” Donald Trump has said, amid a row over leaked emails.
This came after Downing Street reaffirmed its “full support” for Sir Kim Darroch.
On Sunday emails revealed the ambassador had called the Trump administration “clumsy and inept”.
Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said Mr Trump’s comments were “disrespectful and wrong to our Prime Minister and my country.”
In a tweet to Mr Trump, the Tory leadership hopeful added: “Ambassadors are appointed by the UK government and if I become PM our Ambassador stays.”
Boris Johnson, the current Tory leadership frontrunner, also waded into the row.
He said: “I have got a good relationship with the White House and I have no embarrassment in saying that.”
“I think it’s very important that we have a strong relationship with our most important ally.
“The United States is, has been, will be and for the foreseeable future our number one political military friend.”
A spokesman for Theresa May said that Sir Kim is “a dutiful, respected government official” and confirmed there are no plans for Mrs May and Mr Trump to hold a call to discuss relations following the leak.
Sir Kim will now no longer meet the president’s daughter Ivanka Trump as scheduled on Tuesday, the BBC has been told.
The Prime Minister’s spokesman added: “He isn’t attending the meeting but he is supporting Liam Fox in other ways on his trip.”
Earlier on Tuesday Mr Trump tweeted: “The wacky Ambassador that the U.K. foisted upon the United States is not someone we are thrilled with, a very stupid guy.
“He should speak to his country, and Prime Minister May, about their failed Brexit negotiation, and not be upset with my criticism of how badly it was handled.
The wacky Ambassador that the U.K. foisted upon the United States is not someone we are thrilled with, a very stupid guy. He should speak to his country, and Prime Minister May, about their failed Brexit negotiation, and not be upset with my criticism of how badly it was…
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 9, 2019
“I told @theresa_may how to do that deal, but she went her own foolish way-was unable to get it done. A disaster!
“I don’t know the Ambassador but have been told he is a pompous fool. Tell him the USA now has the best Economy & Military anywhere in the World, by far…and they are both only getting bigger, better and stronger…Thank you, Mr. President!”
Number 10 previously called the leak “unfortunate” and has begun a formal investigation. It said the UK and US still shared a “special and enduring” relationship.
Source: BBC
