Former President Donald Trump has nominated Warren Stephens, CEO of Stephens Inc., to serve as the next U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom. In a statement on Truth Social, Trump expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment, saying, “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 USA to one of America’s most cherished and beloved allies.”
Stephens, a major donor to Trump’s re-election campaign, is set to play a pivotal role in maintaining the “special relationship” between the U.S. and the UK, a bond founded on military, intelligence, and cultural ties. If confirmed, he will take on one of the most prestigious diplomatic roles, which has often been awarded to prominent political supporters.
This nomination follows Trump’s broader foreign policy approach, which emphasizes an “America-first” strategy aimed at reshaping international relations. During his first term, Trump appointed prominent donors, such as Woody Johnson, owner of the New York Jets, as ambassador to the UK. Similarly, President Obama selected Louis Susman, a Democratic fundraiser, for the position.
While Stephens has been a vocal Trump supporter in recent years, his past political donations show a more complex picture. In 2016, he donated approximately $4 million to groups opposing Trump’s presidential campaign. Furthermore, he contributed over $2 million to a PAC supporting Nikki Haley’s 2024 presidential bid, which was unsuccessful. However, as Trump secured the Republican nomination this year, Stephens shifted his support, backing Republican candidates and causes.
In response to his nomination, Stephens expressed gratitude, stating, “I have expressed to President Trump that I would be extremely proud to serve our country and his administration, working to implement the President’s agenda and further strengthen the long-standing alliance between the United States and the United Kingdom.”
Stephens, along with his wife, also runs the Harriet and Warren Stephens Family Foundation, which has supported several causes, including the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, the University of Mississippi, and the Episcopal Collegiate School in Little Rock.
