The appointment of Ed Miliband as Foreign Secretary by the new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, has sparked a wave of anger and concern from the Trump administration, with the White House expressing 'deeply concerned' about the move. This reaction is rooted in a long-standing feud between Miliband and Trump, dating back to the former's scathing remarks about the President in 2016, where he labeled Trump as 'racist', 'misogynistic', and a 'self-confessed groper'. The tension between the two has been a defining feature of their relationship, with Miliband's criticism of Trump's policies and attitudes towards democracy being a recurring theme. The appointment has been met with a barrage of criticism from the Trump administration, with sources close to the President warning that Miliband's appointment will hinder diplomatic relations. The White House's concern is further fueled by Miliband's past actions as Labour leader, including his withdrawal of support for bombing Syria in 2013, which was seen as a betrayal by the US. This incident, according to former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, emboldened Vladimir Putin to invade Crimea in 2014, a move that has been widely condemned. The Trump administration's skepticism towards Miliband's appointment is also evident in the comments of a consultant who works with both the White House and State Department, who described Miliband as an 'unreasonable 'net zero' extremist' who 'blocked North Sea oil production'. This sentiment is shared by Steve Bannon, an outspoken ally of President Trump, who labeled Miliband a 'twit' and criticized Burnham for making such an appointment. Despite the White House's reservations, some believe that Miliband and Trump can put their differences aside. Former Labour foreign minister Bill Rammell suggests that both Sir Keir and David Lammy have developed a good relationship with President Trump, and that Miliband can follow suit. However, the appointment remains a contentious issue, with the Trump administration's skepticism likely to persist, given the historical tensions and Miliband's past remarks. The question remains whether Miliband can navigate this challenging diplomatic landscape and repair the relationship between the UK and the US, despite the ongoing concerns and criticisms from the Trump administration.
