Donald Trump nominates billionaire investment banker Warren Stephens to be US ambassador to UK

US President-elect Donald Trump has nominated billionaire investment banker Warren Stephens to be his ambassador to the UK.

Mr Trump made the announcement in a post on social media, calling him "one of the most successful businessmen in the country".

Mr Stephens is chairman, president, and CEO of Stephens Inc, a privately owned financial services company with its headquarters in Little Rock, Arkansas, according to the firm's website.

Mr Trump said his pick for ambassador "has built a wonderful financial services firm, while selflessly giving back to his community as a philanthropist".

He added: "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."

Mr Stephens is a longtime Republican donor who reportedly gave to conservative groups that opposed Trump in 2016 but then supported him in the 2020 and 2024 races.

He was also a top campaign fundraiser, known as a "bundler", for the Republican party's presidential nominee Mitt Romney in the 2012 US election, according to reports.

The Senate is required to confirm Mr Stephens as the choice for ambassador to the UK.

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During his first presidential term, Mr Trump selected Robert "Woody" Johnson, a contributor to his campaign and the owner of the New York Jets football team, as his representative to the United Kingdom.

Mr Trump has already named many of his nominees for his cabinet and high-profile diplomatic posts, assembling a roster of staunch loyalists.

Over the weekend, Mr Trump announced he intends to nominate real estate developer Charles Kushner, father of Mr Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, to serve as ambassador to France.