Lord Mandelson’s Past Remarks on Trump Resurface Amid Ambassadorship Appointment

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Lord Peter Mandelson, a prominent Labour peer and architect of New Labour under Tony Blair, faces renewed scrutiny over his past criticisms of Donald Trump as he prepares to assume the role of British ambassador to the United States. His appointment by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer comes as Trump readies his return to the White House for a second term.  

 

In 2019, Lord Mandelson spoke candidly about his views on Trump during an interview with Italian journalist Alain Elkann. He described the former president as “a danger to the world” and “little short of a white nationalist and racist.” These remarks, made on Elkann’s podcast, now risk complicating efforts by Downing Street to build a positive relationship with the Trump administration.  

 

In the interview, Mandelson lamented the United Kingdom’s shift in global alliances, stating, “I wake up today and discover that not only am I seeing my country, which I love, being forced out of its own European neighbourhood, but is crossing the Atlantic to make common cause with an American president who is little short of a white nationalist and racist.” He expressed deep concern over Britain aligning itself with Trump, emphasizing, “This disturbs me greatly because it’s completely different from all my upbringing, whether my family or in politics, what I believe, and the identity I see for my own country.”  

 

Mandelson also criticized Trump’s approach to governance and diplomacy, arguing that his values are incompatible with those of the UK. “What Donald Trump represents and believes is anathema to mainstream British opinion,” he said, adding, “Even those who have a sneaking admiration for Donald Trump, because of the strength of his personality, nonetheless regard him as reckless and a danger to the world.”  

 

The Labour peer pointed to instances where Trump insulted British leaders and institutions, including the treatment of Her Majesty’s ambassador in Washington. “The way in which he has conducted himself in relation to the British government, our Prime Minister, who he has insulted, and the way in which he treated Her Majesty’s ambassador in Washington has been shocking to British people,” Mandelson remarked.  

 

Despite these past statements, Mandelson’s appointment is viewed as a strategic move by Starmer to signal a serious approach to engaging with the Trump administration. The decision bypassed other high-profile candidates, including David Miliband, Baroness Amos, and Baroness Ashton, reflecting Starmer’s confidence in Mandelson’s experience and political acumen.  

 

Trump’s endorsement of Nigel Farage for the ambassadorship in an autumn tweet added further intrigue to Mandelson’s selection. Farage, the leader of Reform UK, has been a vocal supporter of Trump, but his nomination was not entertained by Downing Street.  

 

Mandelson’s tenure begins at a critical time, with the UK navigating the threat of US tariffs on British exports and seeking to expand its services sector across the Atlantic. His ability to reconcile his past criticisms with the demands of fostering a constructive relationship with the Trump administration will be a key test of his diplomatic skills.  

 

As Trump resumes his role as president, Mandelson’s comments from 2019 serve as a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead in mending strained transatlantic relations.

 

Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2024-12-21

 

 

 

[ukrules]

They're sending someone who hates Trump because the current British government also hate him - this Mandelson character represents their interests completely and precisely.

 

He shouldn't be allowed to step foot inside the US.

[thaibeachlovers]

Don't be surprised if Trump doubles tarrifs just for that. I doubt he takes insults lightly.

[stevenl]

Speaking the truth isn't always a good idea in diplomacy.

[The Cyclist]

6 hours ago, ukrules said:

They're sending someone who hates Trump because the current British government also hate him - this Mandelson character represents their interests completely and precisely.

 

He shouldn't be allowed to step foot inside the US.

 

Don't worry

 

Musk probably has a thick folder of past posts on Twitter / X, and another folder full of photos involving Epstein.

 

If Trump authorises the appointment, Mandelson will be a compliant little boy.

[Thingamabob]

Starmer, by sending people to the US who hate Trump, is clearly trying to undermine the UK's relationship with the US in order to set the scene for a closer relationship for the UK with the EU. 

[scottiejohn]

2 hours ago, The Cyclist said:

and another folder full of photos involving Epstein.

I do not think Mandelson would be at all interested in Epstein's female companions!

Gay politician Lord Peter Mandelson – a trans rights advocate – set to be named UK ambassador to US

[Ajarnbrian]

Mandelson should be a good appointment. He has been a slippery schemer in British politics. Well suited to the role.

[Ajarnbrian]

56 minutes ago, Thingamabob said:

Starmer, by sending people to the US who hate Trump, is clearly trying to undermine the UK's relationship with the US in order to set the scene for a closer relationship for the UK with the EU. 

It would be hard to find those in British politics who like Trump, other than the opportunistic Farage.

[josephbloggs]

Never been a fan of Mandelson but you can't argue that what he said is wrong in any way.

The UK has been America's nodding little lapdog for too long so it's nice we now have a leader who won't just roll over to have his tummy tickled.

[candide]

37 minutes ago, The Cyclist said:

 

At the time ( 2009 ) when some of the photography was taken. Blair and Mandelson were like the gruesome twosome.

 

Where one went, the other was not far away.

 

Is it really such a stretch to believe that Epstein was running a little boy network ? I'm sure Epstein just gave Mandelson his NY flat out of the goodness of his heart.

Grasping at straws... 

[Captain Flack]

A post with no supporting credible link and another post making unsubstantiated claims have been removed.

[alanrchase]

He should get on well with J.D. Vance, their historical views on Trump seem to be fairly similar.

[deadbeat]

I hope Trump make him crawl.

Something he's good at.

[scottiejohn]

57 minutes ago, josephbloggs said:

it's nice we now have a leader who won't just roll over to have his tummy tickled.

Except by the EU and China!

[OneMoreFarang]

I am sure it is difficult to find anybody who never said anything bad about Trump.

And that includes most GOP politicians.

Trump is an ahole. That is a fact. It's not surprising that many people said that is a more diplomatic way.

[James105]

4 hours ago, stevenl said:

Speaking the truth isn't always a good idea in diplomacy.

 

It also isn't a good idea for those living in glass houses to throw stones...

 

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12218843/Peter-Mandelson-stayed-Jeffrey-Epsteins-New-York-home-jail-sex-crimes.html

 

"Former Business Secretary Peter Mandelson was due to stay at Jeffrey Epstein's New York townhouse while he was in jail for underage sex crimes, according to court papers that also reveal disgraced financier's pet name for him was 'Petie'

 

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/jeffrey-epstein-peter-mandelson-jpmorgan-b2361580.html

 

"Jeffrey Epstein was ‘particularly close’ to Peter Mandelson – shock report"

 

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10384407/Pictured-Lord-Mandelson-Jeffrey-Epsteins-birthday-party-Paris.html

 

"Pictured: Grinning Labour ex-Cabinet minister Lord Mandelson helping paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein blow out birthday cake candles at Paris party 'a YEAR after financier was charged with sex offences"