President Barack Obama today called to congratulate new British Prime Minister Theresa May, as the White House offered a tepid response to her choice of foreign secretary.
"The president certainly looks forward to working with Prime Minister May in the six months he has remaining in office," said White House spokesman Josh Earnest.
Asked about the appointment of Obama critic Boris Johnson as foreign secretary, the White House said the "special relationship" between the two countries "transcends any single personality."
Earnest said it was up to the British government to select their representatives.
"The decision we will make is to seek to deepen and strengthen our special relationship with the UK, regardless of who serves in a position as prominent as foreign minister."
Earnest likened the situation to the appointment of Israeli Ambassador Ron Dermer, who has had a rocky relationship with the White House.
