Ambassador Calls Trump “Insecure” . . . Trump Responds By Calling Him “Very Stupid” And Refuses To Ever Speak With Him [Updated]

When an Ambassador calls you “inept,” “insecure,” and “incompetent,” one would think that you would take efforts to respond in a way that showed you are professional, controlled, and dispassionate.  Yet, after the secret communications of Britain’s ambassador to the US, Kim Darroch, were leaked, Trump went on the attack and declared that Darroch is a “a very stupid guy” and a “pompous fool.”  Moreover, he declared that, because he insulted Trump, no one in the Administration would deal with the representative of one of our oldest and closest allies.  It is important to note that Darroch is not only widely respected throughout the world as a diplomat but never intended for these comments to be made public. He was sharing his unvarnished views with his government — something that all ambassadors are expected to do. Update: Darroch has now resigned.

Whoever leaked these communications not only wanted to kneecap Darroch but play Trump.  He responded in signature fashion, returning to the issue time and time again.  He responded on Twitter by declaring “We will no longer deal with him”. The next day, he continued the attack on Darroch: “The wacky Ambassador that the UK foisted upon the United States is not someone we are thrilled with, a very stupid guy … I don’t know the Ambassador but have been told he is a pompous fool.”

Obviously, Darroch would have had to be replaced given the broken relationship regardless.  (He was already scheduled to leave around October). The question is whether he will be given an early replacement under the new Prime Minister. Nevertheless, the damage was already done.

Trump could have shrugged off the controversy while privately demanding an expedited replacement. It is a mystery to me why Trump wants to fulfill the stereotype of his critics with such responses.

The most fascinating question however remains: who most wanted to cause this rift with England?