The White House has expressed deep concern over Prime Minister Andy Burnham's decision to appoint Ed Miliband as Foreign Secretary, with insiders warning the former net zero chief could become a major source of tension between the United States and the United Kingdom.
Burnham, who took office on Monday, carried out a sweeping reshuffle that removed allies of former Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Among his most controversial picks was Miliband, a longtime critic of US President Donald Trump and a vocal advocate for aggressive climate action.
White House fears over Miliband's record
A White House source told the Daily Telegraph that the administration was 'deeply concerned' about Miliband's ascension to the role. The source noted that the Trump team had privately warned Burnham's aides before the appointment that they would find it difficult to work with Miliband, given his history of opposing US policies.
Miliband has previously led opposition to the use of British bases for US bombing operations in Iran, a stance that prompted Trump to publicly brand Starmer as 'not Winston Churchill'. He has also criticised the US president directly, telling the BBC's World At One in 2023: 'The idea that we have shared values with a racist, misogynistic self-confessed groper beggars belief.'
Climate policy at the heart of dispute
A senior Trump administration official said Miliband's strong support for green energy projects was a key concern. Miliband, who served as net zero secretary under Starmer, has consistently pushed for ambitious climate targets and opposed fossil fuel extraction. In 2023, he criticised then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for rolling back climate commitments, saying: 'A Trump-style climate culture war is not what the British people want.'
The official said the US was worried that Miliband's environmental stance could hinder energy cooperation, particularly regarding North Sea drilling, which Miliband has opposed. The concerns were reportedly raised during unofficial 'access' talks between the Trump administration and Burnham's transition team.
Broader implications for US-UK relations
The appointment comes amid mounting disagreements between London and Washington on issues ranging from trade to defence. Burnham's reshuffle also saw Rachel Reeves return to government, while Jeremy Hunt was sacked, signalling a shift to the left. The White House is now bracing for potential friction with the new Foreign Secretary, who has a track record of clashing with the Trump administration.
Despite the private warnings, Burnham pressed ahead with the appointment, signalling his willingness to challenge the US on key issues. The move is likely to test the special relationship, which has already been strained by Trump's criticism of previous UK leaders.
