Donald Trump brands UK ambassador 'very stupid' and Theresa May 'foolish' in fresh outburst over leak row
3 min read
Donald Trump has branded the UK’s ambassador to Washington “very stupid” and called Theresa May “foolish” as he launched a fresh tirade over top secret cables criticising his administration.
The US President’s latest outburst came just hours after he declared that the White House would no longer work with Sir Kim Darroch after his views on the administration were leaked to the Mail on Sunday.
President Trump said Sir Kim - who described his government as "inept" and "uniquely dysfunctional" in the cables - was "not liked or well thought of within the U.S".
The commander-in-chief also described Theresa May’s handling of Brexit as a “mess” because she had ignored his advice on how to deal with Brussels.
Number 10 tried to play down the row by insisting relations between the UK and America remained strong, and that Sir Kim retained the Prime Minister's full support.
But in a fresh series of tweets, President Trump said: “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.
“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! (sic)”
The Cabinet Office is carrying out a leak inquiry into how the cables were released to the media, while Downing Street has said that the police could mount their own investigation if any criminality is identified.
Before President Trump's latest tweets emerged, Mrs May discussed the row with her Cabinet during their weekly meeting.
Her spokesman said: "The UK has a special and enduring relationship with the United States based on our long history and commitment to shared values.
“The Prime Minister said that at the same time, while the views expressed in the documents are not necessarily the view of ministers and the Government, it is hugely important that ambassadors are able to provide honest, unvarnished assessments of the politics in their country.
“She said it is therefore absolutely right that we continue to give Sir Kim Darroch our full support.”
PoliticsHome Newsletters
PoliticsHome provides the most comprehensive coverage of UK politics anywhere on the web, offering high quality original reporting and analysis: Subscribe
