Trump taps investment banker Warren Stephens for UK ambassador

President-elect Trump announced on Monday that investment banker Warren Stephens would serve as U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom.

“Warren has always dreamed of serving the United States full time. I am thrilled that he will now have that opportunity as the top Diplomat, representing the U.S.A. to one of America’s most cherished and beloved Allies,” Trump said in a statement on Truth Social.

Trump called Stephens “one of the most successful businessmen in the Country” and noted that he has served as president, chair and CEO of his company, Stephens Inc., for 38 years “while selflessly giving back to his community as a philanthropist.”

Stephens is a longtime Republican donor and was a bundler for former GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney in 2012. The Arkansas-based billionaire, who took over the business from his father, gave to conservative groups that opposed Trump in 2016 but then supported him in the 2020 and 2024 races.

The president congratulated Stephens, as well as his wife, three children and six grandchildren, in the announcement Monday.

United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer congratulated Trump on his win last month, saying that he looks forward to working with Trump in the years ahead and that the U.K. and U.S. “stand shoulder to shoulder in defence of our shared values of freedom, democracy and enterprise.” 

Trump has announced other ambassador picks, including Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law, to serve as the U.S. ambassador to France. He also named former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee as U.S. ambassador to Israel.