New US ambassador signals revival of the Special Relationship

The Special Relationship is back at the top of Washington's agenda, with Warren A. Stephens - a pro-British Reaganite banker - arriving in London last week to take up his post as America's new ambassador. Ambassador Stephens steps into the Court of St James's just five months after President Trump took office, the fastest such posting in 35 years, and a sharp contrast to Joe Biden's 18-month delay.

A lifelong admirer of both Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher, Stephens is expected to take a firm pro-British, pro-trade approach in his new role. Estimated to be worth £3 billion, he built his fortune at the helm of Stephens Inc, the Little Rock-based investment firm founded by his grandfather during the Great Depression.

The last US ambassador to be appointed with comparable speed was Raymond Seitz, who had previously served as deputy ambassador in London. A career diplomat, he was chosen by President George H. W. Bush to provide continuity after the Cold War and Margaret Thatcher's departure, and presented his credentials in June 1991, just over three months after his nomination.

Stephens' appointment comes amid a broader shift in President Trump's approach to Europe.

In a sign of the changing tone, Vice President JD Vance recently told a Washington audience: "The US and Europe are on the same civilisational team. It's completely ridiculous to think that you're ever going to be able to drive a firm wedge between the United States and Europe."

But while strategic concerns will certainly be on his mind, it is trade which will top the new ambassador's to-do list. Before departing Washington, Stephens met with British ambassador Lord Mandelson to discuss deepening economic ties - a sign of his personal commitment to driving the agenda forward.

At the signing of the recent US-UK trade deal earlier this month, it was Stephens who was credited by Lord Mandelson as having been instrumental in "edging things over the line".

Though new to diplomacy, the 67-year-old Arkansas billionaire brings decades of business acumen and a deep admiration for Britain's political and economic legacy.

As head of Stephens Inc, he earned a reputation for caution and discipline. During the 2008 financial crisis, while Wall Street giants such as Bear Stearns collapsed, his firm weathered the storm thanks to its policy of keeping debt no higher than twice its equity.

Barely settled into Winfield House - the palatial ambassador's residence overlooking Regent's Park - Stephens hosted US Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins for follow-up trade talks with UK officials, aiming to highlight the "mutual benefits" of the agreement.

On his first day at the US Embassy, Stephens praised his team for "working hard to make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous" - a reflection, sources say, of his collaborative, business-first style.

"I have always wanted to serve my country, and the opportunity to do so as the United States Ambassador to the Court of St James's is humbling and exciting," he said in his first public remarks. "I am committed to further strengthening the long-standing Special Relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom."

An avid history buff, Stephens has a particular interest in the Second World War - a passion shared by the last Trump appointee to London, fellow billionaire and New York Jets owner Woody Johnson. Sources say this outlook informs his strong belief in America's enduring role in European security.

To that end, Stephens is expected to play a central role in marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day later this month.

"There has been a clear shift in President Trump's stance towards Europe, and it began at Pope Francis' funeral in April, when he and President Zelenskyy were seen deep in conversation in St Peter's Basilica," said Alina Polyakova, president of the Centre for European Policy Analysis (CEPA).

"We are now seeing Europe play a more important role in the negotiations. The critical minerals deal between the US and Ukraine sent a strong message to Russia - the United States has skin in the game and is committed to Ukraine's long-term success."

His appointment was welcomed by transatlanticists.

"Warren Stephens is exactly the kind of ambassador the UK needs right now - someone who understands the value of the Special Relationship not just as history, but as the engine of global prosperity and security," said Sarah Elliott, director of the UK-US Special Relationship Unit at the Prosperity Institute.

"The Anglo-American community and the American expat community in the UK are very excited that we have a confirmed ambassador in London within the first six months. It's a great sign for the Special Relationship," she added.

This was echoed by a senior member of the Anglo-American business network. who said: "Having a confirmed ambassador in place just five months into the Trump administration sends a clear message that the White House wants to prioritise the UK. It's a strong signal, and people are genuinely excited to see Stephens hit the ground running."

Ambassador Stephens will complete briefings with embassy staff and meet senior UK ministers and business leaders, before presenting his credentials to King Charles III, accompanied by his wife Harriet, in the coming weeks.