The UK’s newly appointed ambassador to Washington, Lord Peter Mandelson, has reversed his previous stance on Donald Trump, now claiming that the former president has gained “fresh respect” as he prepares for a second term.
Mandelson, a senior Labour figure and former critic of Trump, previously described him as a “danger to the world” in 2019. However, in a striking shift, he now acknowledges that his past remarks were “ill-judged and wrong.”
Speaking after Trump personally approved his appointment, Mandelson stated, “I think that times and attitudes toward the president have changed.”
“I think that he has won fresh respect. He certainly has from me, and that is going to be the basis of all the work I do as His Majesty’s ambassador in the United States.”
Lord Peter Mandelson
His remarks mark a significant departure from his past criticisms and come amid reports that Trump had considered rejecting his nomination, a move that would have caused a diplomatic headache for UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
While Mandelson has secured his post, sources indicate that he will be operating under close scrutiny. Reports suggest that he “will be kept on a short leash” due in part to his previous connections with China, which have raised concerns in both Washington and London.
Attempting to put past tensions behind him, Mandelson expressed confidence that the UK and US would “find common ground” over the next four years.
“They’re not Siamese twins, President Trump and Prime Minister Starmer, but they’re both pragmatic people. They know where each is coming from, they want to find common ground. I feel very optimistic. I feel very upbeat about the relationship that they’re both going to have.”
Lord Peter Mandelson
Highlighting his own political background, Mandelson noted that, unlike career diplomats, both he and Trump entered politics to “change things for the better.”
“The president isn’t a career diplomat, and I’m not a career diplomat. I came into politics to change things for the better for people, and so did he.”
Lord Peter Mandelson
Focus on Trade, Tech, and China
Outlining his priorities as ambassador, Mandelson emphasized strengthening trade, technology, and defense ties with the US, particularly in response to growing concerns over China. “I think that the United States and Britain, working together, can outsmart and keep ahead of the curve as far as China is concerned,” he said.
He acknowledged that while Trump seeks economic engagement with Beijing, he remains cautious.
“[Trump] wants a dialogue with China, he wants to do deals with China. But he’s also not going to be naive about China.”
Lord Peter Mandelson
Mandelson stressed that the UK and US must work together to counter China’s influence, particularly when it poses a strategic threat. “We face a challenge together from China, and we’ve got to make sure that we are able to deter that challenge or that threat when they’re having aggressive intents toward us,” he stated.
In his closing remarks, he linked global security to China’s actions, asserting that “security in the Euro-Atlantic area depends on making sure that China is kept at bay in its own region.”
Despite his controversial past remarks on Trump, Mandelson now appears committed to fostering a strong US-UK alliance under the new political landscape. His ability to navigate this relationship, however, remains to be seen.
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