EXCLUSIVE: New UK Ambassador to the US Ready to Mend Fences with Trump Administration
Lord Peter Mandelson, the newly appointed UK ambassador to the US, is preparing to take up the top job of preserving the “special relationship” between London and Washington. In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Mandelson addressed his previous comments about President Donald Trump, saying they were “ill-judged and wrong.”
Mandelson stated that his opinion of the president has changed, and he now believes Trump has “won fresh respect” from him, as well as from many others. This change in attitude will serve as the foundation for his work as the UK’s ambassador to the US.
Speculation has risen about the UK-US “special relationship” being tested, with some suggesting that Mandelson’s appointment may be blocked by the White House. However, Mandelson rejected these claims, stating that he has heard no indication that his appointment would face any difficulties.
Despite concerns about the reliability of the US in the transatlantic relationship, Mandelson expressed optimism about the partnership. He pointed to the friendly phone call between President Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer over the weekend, suggesting that the US may prioritize the partnership.
As the first non-career diplomat to take up the position in over half a century, Mandelson believes his non-traditional background will work in his favor when dealing with Trump. He cited their shared motivation to change the status quo and their pragmatic approach to finding common ground as reasons for optimism.
Mandelson’s priorities will include working with the US on trade, technological developments, and defense partnerships, particularly in the face of adversarial powers like China. He believes that the UK and US can “outsmart and keep ahead of the curve” when it comes to China.
Mandelson is also a strong advocate for the trilateral alliance between the US, UK, and Australia, aimed at countering China’s aggression in the Indo-Pacific. He emphasized the need to keep China at bay in its own region and that the UK does not share concerns about certain security uncertainties under the Trump administration.
Mandelson believes that Trump could become one of the most consequential American presidents he has known in his adult life, and he is optimistic about the relationship between the two leaders and the countries they represent.
