Donald Trump has confirmed he will nominate billionaire businessman Woody Johnson as US ambassador to the UK.

The US President hinted earlier this year he had picked the owner of the New York Jets American football team to the prestigious diplomatic posting, known as ambassador to the Court of St James's.

Speaking at a lunch in Washington DC in January, Mr Trump said the tycoon was "going to St James's".

The 70-year-old philanthropist and heir to the Johnson & Johnson pharmaceutical empire has known Mr Trump for years, but originally supported his rival Jeb Bush in the Republican primaries.

However, after Mr Bush crashed out of the race, Mr Johnson threw his support behind Mr Trump and acted as both an adviser and fundraiser during the election campaign.


He also donated funds to help pay for Mr Trump's inauguration.

Mr Johnson is chairman and chief executive of the Jets, although will hand over to his brother, Christopher, if his appointment is approved by the US Senate.

The team's president, Neil Glat, said: "On behalf of the entire organisation, we would be extremely proud to see Woody nominated and confirmed as US ambassador. We could not be more excited for him and his family."