Mandelson praises ‘resultant’ Trump ahead of inauguration
Britain’s next ambassador to the US, Lord Peter Mandelson, has praised Donald Trump, saying his tenure will be one of the “most consequential” in modern times.
in an article for fox newsHe praised the US President-elect’s “straight talk and deal-making propensity” and “his great skills as a political campaigner”.
The comments are a sharp contrast to comments he made in 2019, when he called Trump “a threat to the world” and “little less than a white nationalist.” Later a top adviser to the Trump campaign Lord Mandelson was described as “a complete idiot”.
Known as a key figure in the governments of both Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, Lord Mandelson will take over as the UK’s envoy to Washington DC in early 2025.
In his article, Lord Mandelson argued that Britain’s “Atlantic alliance” cannot “enjoy its glorious past” but must “adapt itself to new threats and technological challenges”.
He wrote: “America’s allies need to work with the United States and calibrate their partnerships to listen to the message sent by the American people and stand up for the joint interests that unite us.
“Trump’s great skill as a political campaigner is to connect with segments of the electorate who feel unheard.”
The Republican nominee’s “resounding victory” should be seen by allies as an important opportunity to “bring entrepreneurial thinking and urgency to foreign policy solutions that require real-world solutions,” he said.
“The Trump administration will put the needs of Americans first,” Lord Mandelson said.
“But among his closest allies, he will find old partners who are open to new ways to deal with the current world – to create security, prosperity, and opportunity for Americans and our own citizens alike.”
Lord Mandelson replaces Dame Karen Pierce, whose tenure in Washington DC is due to end when Trump enters the White House on Monday.
He also reiterated America’s strong criticism of both China and Iran.
Lord Mandelson – who once chaired a public body supporting UK-China relations – said the current Chinese government is being “more aggressive abroad and controlling at home”, which is “contrary to Western governments and our values.” directly challenges “.
He described Iran as an “absolutely lethal force” in the Middle East and said: “We must never allow it to be armed with a nuclear weapon”.
