JEREMY Hunt has piled pressure on Boris Johnson ahead of their TV clash tonight with a fuming attack on Donald Trump for his “disrespectful and wrong” blast at Theresa May.
The US President sparked a transatlantic row with the PM today over her failed Brexit deal and lashed out at the “wacky, pompous” US ambassador.
He said earlier she “went her own foolish way” and had created “a disaster” with her plan to get us out of the EU, which was slapped down three times.
The President hit out after ambassador Sir Kim Darroch’s memos about America were leaked last weekend, revealing he had said the US administration was “inept”.
But today Mr Hunt launched a fresh attack of his own – putting pressure on Boris to do the same.
The Foreign Secretary said the comments were “disrespectful and wrong to our Prime Minister and my country”.
He also promised not to let America tell Britain who should be their ambassador, and insisted that he would keep Sir Kim in post if he gets into No10.
“Ambassadors are appointed by the UK government and if I become PM, our ambassador stays,” he said.
Mr Hunt standing up to the US President puts Boris in a difficult position hours before their TV debate.
The Tory favourite – who enjoys a strong relationship with Mr Trump – now can’t avoid either criticising a key personal ally or failing to stand up for British officials.
Friends speak frankly so I will
Jeremy Hunt to Donald Trump
He said earlier that under his Government he would continue to work very closely with America, and they will remain our closest ally – but stopped short of directly criticising the incendiary comments from the White House.
“The US is, has been and will be for the foreseeable our no 1 political military friend and partner,” he insisted.
“We will continue to stress the vital importance of that relationship, believe me.”
Earlier today the President launched the second blast on the PM and US ambassador in just 24 hours.
The special relationship was under serious strain today after his blistering attack on outgoing Mrs May and her government.
President Trump tweeted this afternoon: “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!”
Downing Street will be hoping the row blows over soon so they don’t have to ditch him and put someone else in the role.
Last night the President insisted he would no longer work with Sir Kim after the leak.
Downing Street have stuck by him and insisted he was just doing his job honestly.
However, they did add that the Government did not share all of his views.
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