According to the UK’s former ambassador to Washington, Lord Darroch, Donald Trump’s second term as president will resemble a constant “24/7 bar-room brawl.” Lord Darroch served as the UK’s representative to the US during Trump’s previous presidency from 2016 to 2019, until leaked cables revealed his critical views of the president.
In an interview with Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, Lord Darroch discussed what the incoming US ambassador, Lord Mandelson, could anticipate under the administration of the 47th president.
Lord Darroch has warned of the bellicose nature of Donald Trump. Pic: Reuters
Lord Darroch emphasized the importance of not taking criticism and political attacks too seriously. This advice came after a Trump campaign adviser labeled Lord Mandelson a “moron.” Lord Darroch noted that such behavior was to be expected under the new Trump presidency, characterized by constant conflict and unpredictability.
“You need to have a thick skin, and you need to manage it,” Lord Darroch advised, confident that Lord Mandelson’s experience as a seasoned politician would enable him to navigate the challenges.
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Lord Darroch shared three key points of advice for the incoming ambassador, emphasizing the need to understand the political landscape beyond Washington DC and the significance of connecting with influential individuals to influence decisions.
Lord Mandelson will be taking up his new role in the new year. Pic: Reuters
Lord Darroch also highlighted the significance of being prepared for the early morning tweet storms that characterize Trump’s communication style, underscoring the need to be vigilant and responsive to the president’s unfiltered thoughts and opinions.
As the UK prepares for the new dynamics of Trump’s return to power, Lord Darroch emphasized the importance of standing firm on British principles and being prepared to navigate the complexities of international relations in the age of social media.
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Lord Darroch acknowledged that navigating the relationship between Mr. Trump and Nigel Farage could pose challenges for the new ambassador but advised focusing on the broader diplomatic landscape and standing firm on core values.