LONDON: The appointment of Ed Miliband as UK foreign secretary has prompted reported concern from figures close to U.S. President Donald Trump over the Labour politician’s past criticism.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham appointed Miliband as Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs on July 20, the day Burnham formally took office.
The Independent quoted unnamed people close to the White House as saying Trump “will not forget” Miliband’s previous remarks and that the new foreign secretary may face diplomatic repair work in Washington.
Miliband described Trump in 2016 as “a racist, misogynistic, self-confessed groper.” He has also criticised the U.S. president’s positions on climate change and democratic institutions.
There is no direct statement from Trump or an on-record White House official. However, the claim of presidential anger, therefore, remains based on unofficial sources rather than an official U.S. response.
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Miliband now leads Britain’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and will oversee diplomatic engagement with the Trump administration. His portfolio includes security, trade, Ukraine, the Middle East and international climate policy.
