Donald Trump’s suggestion that Nigel Farage could be made UK ambassador to the United States has prompted violently contrasting responses on social media.
In a highly unusual intervention, the president-elect sent out a late evening tweet to say: “Many people would like to see Nigel Farage represent Great Britain as their Ambassador to the United States. He would do a great job!”
Many people would like to see @Nigel_Farage represent Great Britain as their Ambassador to the United States. He would do a great job!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 22, 2016
Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron was less impressed: “Farage as ambassador is a frankly stupid idea. I have more diplomacy in my little finger. But what’s more worrying is the axing of TPP.”
Farage as ambassador is a frankly stupid idea. I have more diplomacy in my little finger. But what's more worrying is the axing of TPP
— Tim Farron (@timfarron) November 22, 2016
Former UK ambassador in Washington, Sir Christopher Meyer, did not appreciate Mr Trump riding roughshod over diplomatic protocol: “UK ambo in DC exists to defend UK interests in US, not US interests in UK. Can’t have foreign presidents deciding who our ambo should be.”
UK ambo in DC exists to defend UK interests in US, not US interests in UK. Can't have foreign presidents deciding who our ambo should be.
— Christopher Meyer (@SirSocks) November 22, 2016
Outspoken TV presenter and former football star Gary Lineker found Mr Trump’s proposal laughable: “Another hilarious joke from the funniest parody account on twitter. Nigel the diplomat?….must be Cockney rhyming slang.”
Another hilarious joke from the funniest parody account on twitter. Nigel the diplomat?….must be Cockney rhyming slang. https://t.co/vyv5isHMw5
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) November 22, 2016
Mr Farage himself had no doubts he was the man for the job: “I have known several of the Trump team for years and I am in a good position with the President-elect’s support to help.”
I have known several of the Trump team for years and I am in a good position with the President-elect’s support to help.
— Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) November 22, 2016
British comedian David Schneider of cult satire series Brass Eye astutely summarised the situation with a reminder that Farage couldn’t appear less interested in engaging with America just a few months ago.
Apr 2016: “The US President should mind his own business”
Nov 2016: "Don’t mind if I do”#Farage https://t.co/mkEYTK6zRB
— David Schneider (@davidschneider) November 22, 2016
Asked what he thought of Mr Trump suggesting who the UK should appoint as ambassador, Brexit Secretary David Davis told the BBC: “We are believers in free speech in Britain, but we’ve got a very good ambassador – Kim Darroch – and he’s going to be there for some years.
“People can say what they like. The simple truth is there’s no vacancy. This is an ambassador who is very, very good, as we’ve seen already, and he will be there for years.”
