Lord Peter Mandelson, the newly appointed UK ambassador to the United States, has reversed his previous criticisms of President Trump in a recent interview with Fox News Digital. He described his earlier remarks, including a 2019 statement calling Trump "a danger to the world," as "ill-judged and wrong," attributing the shift to evolving times and perspectives on the president. Mandelson expressed newfound respect for Trump, particularly following his reelection, and affirmed this respect will underpin his work as ambassador.
The ambassador's comments address concerns about potential strain on the US-UK "special relationship" and rumors of White House resistance to his appointment. Mandelson dismissed these claims, stating he hadn't received any indication of opposition. However, uncertainties persist regarding the trans-Atlantic relationship, fueled by remarks from Trump campaign officials and tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, who recently engaged in a public disagreement with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Despite this, a positive phone call between Trump and Starmer suggests a commitment to the US-UK partnership. Mandelson expressed optimism about their future relationship, highlighting their shared pragmatism. As the first non-career diplomat in this role for over fifty years, Mandelson believes his and Trump’s shared non-traditional backgrounds will be advantageous. He emphasized their common goal of positive change and their belief in the unique bond between the two nations.
Mandelson outlined his key priorities as focusing on trade, technological advancements, and defense collaborations with the US, particularly in relation to China. He expressed confidence in the US and UK's combined ability to outmaneuver China and advocated for a balanced approach that acknowledges China’s right to prosperity while firmly addressing aggressive actions. He underscored the importance of the trilateral alliance between the US, UK, and Australia in containing China's influence in the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing the link between Euro-Atlantic security and managing China's regional ambitions.
Mandelson argued that the UK doesn’t share the global anxieties surrounding perceived security uncertainties under Trump, suggesting that Trump’s disruptive approach might be necessary in addressing current global challenges. He concluded by expressing his belief that Trump could become one of the most impactful American presidents of his lifetime.
