Trump Weighs Rejection of Lord Mandelson as UK Ambassador Amid Controversy

[Social Media]

 

As Donald Trump prepares to assume office as the 47th President of the United States, the nomination of Lord Peter Mandelson as the UK ambassador to Washington has sparked diplomatic tension. Trump is reportedly considering rejecting the appointment, a move that would be highly unusual and indicative of strained relations between the incoming administration and Sir Keir Starmer's Labour government.

 

Sources within Trump’s team revealed uncertainty over whether Peter Mandelson’s credentials will ultimately gain Trump’s approval. Concerns about Mandelson’s perceived connections to China appear to be at the heart of the controversy. “It is quite possible that Mandelson’s credentials could still be rejected,” said one source, adding that “there are serious concerns about his links to China.”

 

Labour officials have framed the nomination as a testament to Mandelson’s stature, calling it “a huge compliment” that Sir Keir Starmer would choose such a senior figure. However, a source from Trump’s camp dismissed the gesture, stating bluntly, “We are not buying that.” 

 

Efforts to ease tensions have not been universally embraced. Notably, Lord Mandelson declined an invitation to a pre-inauguration event in Washington hosted by Nigel Farage, a key ally of Trump, where the outgoing UK ambassador, Dame Karen Pierce, was present. Pierce’s attendance reportedly left a positive impression on Trump’s transition team, further complicating Mandelson’s position.

 

The approval process for an ambassador requires the presentation of “letters of credence” to the host country’s head of state. In this case, Trump would need to formally accept Mandelson’s credentials for the appointment to proceed. While rare, the rejection of a nominee at this stage is not without precedent and would signal a significant diplomatic rift.

 

The nomination of Lord Mandelson, who previously served as a business secretary and EU trade commissioner, was partially motivated by a desire to bolster prospects for a US-UK trade deal. However, his perceived ties to China have raised red flags within Trump’s administration, further straining an already delicate relationship. 

 

In a conciliatory opinion piece, Mandelson acknowledged Trump’s broad electoral appeal, noting, “The astute among America’s allies will be observing the comprehensive nature of Trump’s November election win. On the numbers alone – across the popular vote and spanning different demographic groups – this victory demonstrated a campaign that responded to the central concerns and interests of a vast swath of the American people.”

 

Despite Mandelson’s diplomatic overtures, sources suggest that tensions between the Labour government and Trump’s team have only deepened due to the nomination. The decision on whether Trump will accept Mandelson’s credentials remains unresolved, casting a shadow over the early days of the UK’s relationship with the new administration.

 

Based on a report by The Independent 2025-01-20

 

 

[wavodavo]

The U.K. is not the only country that will havea problem  with their choice of Ambassadors to the U.S. Australia's current U.S  Ambassador is ex P.M. Kevin Rudd who is known as Rudd the Dud. He was Ausrtalia's  2nd worst P.M. ever... the current one is the worst Anthony Albanese. When Trump was elected last time Rudd said publicly  among other criticisms  that Trump is a   threat to the western world. After that in an interview he was asked if he was aware of the demeaning criticism from Rudd and he said that if he is still in the job when he is re-elected he we won't be there long So we will see what happens.It stands to reason that an Ambassador in a country has to get along with the leaders of the country that they are in.

[Andycoops]

I sincerely hope they do reject him, he won't last 5 minutes dealing with Trump.

I can't think of anyone worse being the senior UK representative in the USA.

It's about time he was given a whack on the nose, he makes my skin crawl.

[jippytum]

Why shouldTrump endorse Starmer's choice when Mandleson is s toxic politician very critical of Trump pre election. 

Another Starmer error of judgement. 

[blazes]

 

I suppose it doesn't  help that Mandelson is  a  prominent  homosexual.  But, then,  he can't be the first such person to occupy a senior position in  the British  diplomatic service....

[Thingamabob]

Mandelson has clearly indicated what he thinks of Trump, and it's not pretty. as has Lammy. Both are entitled to their opinions, but common sense dictates that neither should have anything to do with the USA during Trump's administration.

[jayboy]

12 minutes ago, blazes said:

 

I suppose it doesn't  help that Mandelson is  a  prominent  homosexual.  But, then,  he can't be the first such person to occupy a senior position in  the British  diplomatic service....

 

Don't be silly. It of no significance one way or the other.

[Tropicalevo]

baby Trump is only playing the spoiled brat and spitting his dummy out.

He has to be confrontational so that he can show that he is 'The Boss'.

After all, he does not have an original thought in his head.

The world will get over it/him. 

[sungod]

24 minutes ago, blazes said:

 

I suppose it doesn't  help that Mandelson is  a  prominent  homosexual.  But, then,  he can't be the first such person to occupy a senior position in  the British  diplomatic service....

I believe it to be mandatory now to be a UK Ambassador.

[RuamRudy]

53 minutes ago, Andycoops said:

I sincerely hope they do reject him, he won't last 5 minutes dealing with Trump.

I can't think of anyone worse being the senior UK representative in the USA.

It's about time he was given a whack on the nose, he makes my skin crawl.

 

I am not so sure about your suggestion that Mandelson's abilities would make him a bad choice. I recall that he was considered to be very adept at subterfuge and machinations.

 

Maybe Trump is a bit less subtle than Mandy, but I wouldn't write off the latter's chances if he actually gets the post. 

[Yagoda]

20 minutes ago, jayboy said:

 

Don't be silly. It of no significance one way or the other.

Homosexuality is part of the bonafides of a Socialist, despite the fact that once in power, they are usually discarded like the National Socialists discarded their Homosexual foot soldiers in the SA. Its something that must be advertised and celebrated prior thereto, to slap the Judeo Christian bourgeoise in their faces so to speak.

[jippytum]

12 minutes ago, sungod said:

I believe it to be mandatory now to be a UK Ambassador.

i agree,  homosexuality on your cv is regarded as a plus in the UK civil service

[BangkokHank]

Couldn't the Brits find a qualified Gentile for this job?

[kingstonkid]

1 hour ago, Thingamabob said:

Mandelson has clearly indicated what he thinks of Trump, and it's not pretty. as has Lammy. Both are entitled to their opinions, but common sense dictates that neither should have anything to do with the USA during Trump's administration.

Starmer just keeps digging and digging that hole.  When was the last time a president came to the UK and did not meet with the PM?

 

I can see Trump making the royal visit. The only question then is whether Starmer would attend or risk upsetting Charles and Willliam.

 

Britain and its commonwealth countries (Canada and Aus) are in for a rude awakening.

 

There is very little that the U.S. needs from the U.K. or Aus.  

 

Canada needs energy, but the provinces that control it are all friendly and willing to work.

 

How long do people think Starmer will stay in power?

 

 

[deadbeat]

Let's hope Trump rejects him, the look on Starmers face would be priceless.

[Yagoda]

26 minutes ago, BangkokHank said:

Couldn't the Brits find a qualified Gentile for this job?

Whats wrong with a qualified Jew? Too smart, rich and powerful? I always want the best for my country, might as well hire the best.

[blazes]

26 minutes ago, BangkokHank said:

Couldn't the Brits find a qualified Gentile for this job?

 

Well, rumour has it that Diane Abbott and Mr Jeremy Corbyn were offered, but were subsequently  considered not  genteel enough...

[Emdog]

Meanwhile Trump wants felon he pardoned, also happens to be father  to dear Jared, hubby to Trumps Ivanka, to be ambassador to France. Can we see that nasty bit of works credentials? Chris Christie said that “one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes” he prosecuted more than a decade ago when he was a US attorney was committed by the father of President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and top adviser Jared Kushner. https://edition.cnn.com/2019/01/30/politics/chris-christie-jared-kushner-father/index.html

and then there is dear Kimberly Guifoyle, ex girlfriend of Don Jr, who Don Sr wants to be ambassador to Greece. Her credentials? former Court TV anchor and Fox News host.... hey, hosting is good enough to be defense secretary, surely enough for simple ambassador.... https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2024/12/10/congress/guilfoyle-to-greece-00193624

And Trump always seems concerned that "they're laughing at us" regarding foreign relations... and then he makes these sorts of picks...

[crazykopite]

I hope he sends a clear message to Starmer “ on ur bike no way is that shyster coming to the USA

[James105]

30 minutes ago, deadbeat said:

Let's hope Trump rejects him, the look on Starmers face would be priceless.

 

I do find it quite amusing that the schoolboy activists (Labour party) now have to deal with Trump after so many years of calling him names, trying to get him banned from visiting the UK, sending over Labour activists to interfere with their elections etc.   The chickens are coming home to roost.   

 

If they were not sixth from children then they would simply ask Nigel Farage to do this job as he is clearly (by some distance) the best person to manage the relationship with the US whilst Trump is in office.  

[Yagoda]

14 minutes ago, BangkokHank said:

Qualified Jews are fine as ambassadors - of Israel perhaps. (I wonder how many Arab ambassadors Israel has?) But when Jews get into positions of power, they look after the interests of their fellow Jews rather than the interests of the countries they are supposed to represent. That's how they become rich and powerful in the first place, rather than from being smart.

Outed! Spoken like a true Protocols of Zion loon! Thanks for demonstrating again that this Board is a hotbed of primitive, barbaric, and ignorant National Socialist anti-semitism.

[Patong2021]

1 hour ago, BangkokHank said:

Couldn't the Brits find a qualified Gentile for this job?

 

I was wondering if you were looking for attention, or if you were really this ignorant and hateful.

 

18 minutes ago, BangkokHank said:

Qualified Jews are fine as ambassadors - of Israel perhaps. (I wonder how many Arab ambassadors Israel has?) But when Jews get into positions of power, they look after the interests of their fellow Jews rather than the interests of the countries they are supposed to represent. That's how they become rich and powerful in the first place, rather than from being smart.

 

Looks like you really are a bigoted, ignorant, hateful person.

The appointment of an ambassador in the free world is not based upon religious affiliation. Your position holds that someone of jewish heritage is not qualified to be an ambassador because of that heritage and your own hateful belief of a jewish conspiracy.  You are wrong. 

 

Hundreds of thousands of jews have served their countries in various capacities ranging from the military, to government to public institutions. The world would be in much worse shape if their contributions had  been excluded. 

 

Israel has indeed appointed Arabs as Ambassadors. Both Muslims and Christians have served.

Arabs also serve in the Israeli military (as they do the UK & US military) and sit in Israel's parliament. I am unaware of one Arab country that has allowed jews  similar rights and positions. 

 

 

 

 

[Justanotherone]

trump should select a black trans women muslim american for the job in the uk.. representation and all

[Watawattana]

5 hours ago, wavodavo said:

The U.K. is not the only country that will havea problem  with their choice of Ambassadors to the U.S. Australia's current U.S  Ambassador is ex P.M. Kevin Rudd who is known as Rudd the Dud. He was Ausrtalia's  2nd worst P.M. ever... the current one is the worst Anthony Albanese. When Trump was elected last time Rudd said publicly  among other criticisms  that Trump is a   threat to the western world. After that in an interview he was asked if he was aware of the demeaning criticism from Rudd and he said that if he is still in the job when he is re-elected he we won't be there long So we will see what happens.It stands to reason that an Ambassador in a country has to get along with the leaders of the country that they are in.

 

It's not just Ambassadors who've said nasty things about Trump.  JD Vance once described himself as a “Never Trump guy”, and was quick to criticise the former president, using words like “idiot” and even “Hitler” to describe Trump.  So if Trump can forgive/forget his VP, shouldn't be an issue to forgive Mandleson or Rudd.

[Srikcir]

11 hours ago, Social Media said:

this victory demonstrated a campaign that responded to the central concerns and interests of a vast swath of the American people.

Yes before Trump's election.

Now after Trump's election:

Victory demonstrated a campaign that lied to the central concerns and interests of a vast swath of the American people.

[Srikcir]

11 hours ago, Social Media said:

Trump is reportedly considering rejecting the appointment, a move that would be highly unusual

Albeit a normal authority of the Head of Government to accept or refuse a foreign designated ambassador.

Does Trump understand that his appointed ambassadors can also be refused by foreign governments?

[Maybole]

I suspect that Starmer is sending Mandelson to the US to get him as far away as possible. He will not want Mandelson and his intrigues any where near London.

[wavodavo]

9 hours ago, Maybole said:

I suspect that Starmer is sending Mandelson to the US to get him as far away as possible. He will not want Mandelson and his intrigues any where near London.

The exact same applies to Kevin Rudd in Australia. He was sent to the U.S. because is such an idiot and troublemaker and they wanted to get rid of him. Foreign Minister Wong is over there now begging Trump to not send him home.

[JonnyF]

Let's hope he rejects it.

 

Labour need to be humiliated on the global stage.