Bill White, Trump's friend shaking up Brussels' diplomatic microcosm: 'I am a businessman first and foremost'

Bill White, a prominent businessman and significant Republican donor, has arrived in Brussels as the new U.S. ambassador to Belgium, embodying a direct approach to diplomacy that some find reflects the 'spoils system.' At 58, White, who raised more than $5 million for Donald Trump's presidential campaign, has been appointed to a prestigious post, a common practice rewarding major campaign contributors.

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I had the feeling that's where they wanted to place us, Bryan (his husband) and me. We are delighted to serve our country and President Trump here.

White's appointment is reportedly linked to his fundraising efforts, with some suggesting Melania Trump played a role in his selection. He recounts a conversation with Donald Trump where, after discussing potential postings, the former first lady suggested Belgium. "I had the feeling that's where they wanted to place us, Bryan (his husband) and me," White told La Libre. "We are delighted to serve our country and President Trump here."

His style is described as mirroring Donald Trump's, characterized by a transactional approach and self-assurance. One diplomat noted, "There is total mimicry with Donald Trump: in style, in the way of expressing himself, the transactional spirit, the same aplomb. When I met him, I felt like I had the American president in my office."

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There is total mimicry with Donald Trump: in style, in the way of expressing himself, the transactional spirit, the same aplomb. When I met him, I felt like I had the American president in my office.

Previously, White directed the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York and founded Constellations Group, a strategic consulting firm. He emphasizes his business background, stating, "My career, marked by managing over 1,000 employees and multi-billion dollar companies, allows me to be a particularly effective ambassador. Above all, I am a businessman who knows how to build strategic relationships and solve complex problems."

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My career, marked by managing over 1,000 employees and multi-billion dollar companies, allows me to be a particularly effective ambassador. Above all, I am a businessman who knows how to build strategic relationships and solve complex problems.

White, who moved to Florida and supported Trump's 'MAGA' movement after a period of supporting Democrats, expressed his satisfaction with the Belgian posting. "I'm lucky not to have been appointed to Somalia," he quipped. "I love Belgium; the people are calm and courteous. And I find the cuisine here better than in Paris."

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I'm lucky not to have been appointed to Somalia. I love Belgium; the people are calm and courteous. And I find the cuisine here better than in Paris.