Lord Peter Mandelson, the future UK ambassador to the US, has lauded Donald Trump and hailed his upcoming presidency as “one of the most significant” in recent history.
Writing for Fox News, Lord Mandelson praised the President-elect’s communication and negotiation skills, as well as his prowess as a political strategist.
This stands in stark contrast to his previous criticisms in 2019, when he labelled Trump as a global threat and a white supremacist. A key advisor to Trump’s campaign later dismissed Lord Mandelson as “an absolute fool”.
Having been influential in the governments of both Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, Lord Mandelson is set to assume his role as the UK’s representative in Washington DC early in 2025.
In his article, Lord Mandelson emphasized the need for Britain’s “Atlantic partnership” to evolve in response to new challenges and technological advancements.
He urged America’s allies to align with the US and address shared interests. He also acknowledged Trump’s ability to engage with disaffected sections of the electorate.
Lord Mandelson views Trump’s victory as an opportunity to bring fresh perspectives and practical solutions to foreign policy issues.
He highlighted the potential economic impact of Trump’s proposed tariffs, particularly on UK exports and global trade dynamics.
Lord Mandelson will succeed Dame Karen Pierce in Washington DC around the time of Trump’s inauguration.
Lord Mandelson also echoed US criticism of China and Iran in his article.
He raised concerns about China’s assertive foreign policy and authoritarian domestic practices, portraying them as a challenge to the West.
Regarding Iran, he described the country as a destabilizing force in the Middle East and stressed the importance of preventing it from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Lord Mandelson’s public statements illustrate a shift in tone from his previous criticisms of Trump, which could pose diplomatic challenges for the UK government.
Despite his past remarks, Lord Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador signifies a more conciliatory approach to diplomatic relations.