British ambassador to United States Kim Darroch has resigned his position after days of attacks from Donald Trump and right-wing media. In a letter to the British foreign secretary, Darroch wrote that
The current situation is making it impossible for me to carry out my role as I would like. … I am grateful to those in the UK and US who have offered their support during these difficult few days. This has brought home to me the depth of friendship and close ties between our two countries. I have been deeply touched.
In response, Foreign Secretary Simon McDonald thanked Ambassador Darroch for his long service and praised him for how he handled himself under the assault from Trump.
Over the last few difficult days, you have behaved yourself as you have always behaved over a long and distinguished career, with dignity, professionalism, and class. … You demonstrate the essence of the values of British public service.
Professionalism and class were distinctly lacking from the statements that Trump has made over the last week, which including calling Darroch a “wacky ambassador,” “a very stupid guy,” and “a pompous fool.” Trump also made multiple attacks on outgoing British Prime Minister Theresa May, criticizing her policies with a vigor he has never displayed when it comes to those who murder journalists, invade countries, or destroy human rights.
Trump made his statements after internal memos were leaked to the press in which Darroch gave his assessment of Trump’s White House. That assessment included the judgment that Trump and his advisers were “inept” and “incompetent.” However, Darroch’s memo was never intended as a public statement or open rebuke of Trump. Trump’s tweets were pure bullying.
And the bully must feel satisfied this morning.
Following the initial release of the memo, Trump told reporters, "We are not big fans of that man, and he has not served the U.K. well. So, I can understand it and I can say things about him, but I won’t bother."
Then he bothered. So did others. In addition to Trump, Darroch has been made the subject of near-continuous attack from Fox News and other right-wing media sources.
It is unclear if Theresa May will appoint a new ambassador during the short period that remains in her term as prime minister.