Lord Peter Mandelson, the UK’s choice for the next ambassador to the US, has retracted his previous criticism of Donald Trump, describing it as ‘ill-judged and wrong’. He now believes that Trump has won ‘fresh respect’ from him.
Lord Peter Mandelson, the UK’s choice for the next ambassador to the US, has described his previous criticism of Donald Trump as ‘ill-judged and wrong.‘ In an interview with Fox News, he stated that the new US president had won ‘fresh respect’ from him.
Mandelson’s change of heart comes after years of criticizing Trump. In 2019, he described Trump as ‘reckless and a danger to the world,’ while in 2018, he referred to him as ‘a bully.’ However, Mandelson now believes that his previous remarks were misguided due to the high emotions surrounding politics in Britain at the time.
The incoming ambassador acknowledged Trump‘s second mandate, calling it ‘extraordinary.‘ He expressed confidence that Trump will approve of his appointment, stating that the president is a ‘nice person’ and ‘fair-minded person.’
Mandelson’s credentials have been presented to Trump as part of the formal diplomatic process. The US government has reportedly agreed to accept him as a diplomat in their country, with the final hurdle being the presentation of his ‘letter of credence‘ to the president.
The UK government is less concerned than previously about the possibility that Mandelson’s appointment could be blocked by Trump. Some of the president’s allies had suggested that he might take the extraordinary step of blocking Mandelson from taking up the role, but it appears that this will not be the case.
Mandelson’s comments go further than others in government in recanting previous criticism of Trump. While some officials have sought to deflect questions about their attacks on the president by pointing out that many senior Republican politicians have criticized him too, Mandelson has taken a more conciliatory approach.
As a well-known figure in British politics, having served in multiple ministerial roles under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown before taking up a life peerage in the Lords, Mandelson’s appointment is seen as significant. He will replace outgoing ambassador Dame Karen Pierce, the first woman to serve as UK ambassador to the US.
Peter Mandelson is a British politician who served as Member of Parliament (MP) for Hartlepool from 1992 to 2004.
He held various cabinet positions, including Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, and First Secretary of State.
Mandelson was quoted as saying 'I have always believed that the Labour Party should be a party of government, not just opposition.'
Mandelson was also the European Commissioner for Trade from 2004 to 2008.
He is known for his influential role in Labour Party politics and his involvement in several high-profile controversies.
