President-elect Donald Trump has selected businessman Warren Stephens as his nominee for the position of U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom. In a statement on Truth Social, Trump expressed excitement about the nomination, stating that it has always been Stephens’ dream to serve the country full-time. He praised Stephens as the ideal choice to represent the U.S. in one of America’s closest and most valued international partnerships.
Stephens, who serves as the CEO of the Arkansas-based investment bank Stephens Inc., has been a significant financial supporter of Trump’s re-election campaign this year. If confirmed, Stephens will play a key role in strengthening and maintaining the “special relationship” between the U.S. and the UK.
The United States and the United Kingdom share strong military, intelligence, and cultural connections. President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to reshape the U.S.’s international relationships with an “America-first” approach to foreign policy.
The position of U.S. Ambassador to the UK is highly prestigious, and it is common for presidents to appoint major supporters to this role. During his first term, Trump appointed Woody Johnson, a prominent Republican donor and owner of the New York Jets, to the post. Similarly, President Barack Obama chose Louis Susman, a longtime Democratic fundraiser and lawyer, as his ambassador to the UK.
Although Warren Stephens, the CEO of Arkansas-based Stephens Inc., did not initially support Trump’s presidential campaigns, he became one of his backers in later years. In 2016, Stephens donated around $4 million to groups opposing Trump’s candidacy. He also contributed more than $2 million to a PAC supporting Nikki Haley’s 2024 presidential bid. However, when Trump won the 2024 Republican nomination, Stephens threw his support behind him, contributing to Republican organizations and Senate candidates.
In response to his ambassadorial nomination, Stephens expressed his honor at being chosen, stating he would be proud to serve and help strengthen the U.S.-UK alliance. He and his wife are also involved in philanthropy through their foundation, which has supported institutions such as the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, the University of Mississippi, and the Episcopal Collegiate School in Little Rock.