The UK government may need to reach out to Nigel Farage after Peter Mandelson’s selection as the new US ambassador received strong disapproval. Members of President-elect Donald Trump’s team have voiced their concerns. One referred to Mandelson as an “absolute moron,” and another insider called the decision a “horrible” and “arrogant” choice, according to The Independent.
Mandelson’s previous criticisms of trump
Peter Mandelson has previously been outspoken about his dissatisfaction with Trump. He labelled the President-elect a global threat and a white supremacist. However, despite these criticisms, Mandelson now focuses on improving the relationship between the UK and the US. He wants to strengthen the special bond that has existed between the two nations.
This appointment, however, raises several questions about how effectively the two governments will collaborate. In response, Nigel Farage, the founder of the Reform Party, has offered his assistance. He believes he can help build bridges. Farage has cultivated good relationships with figures like Elon Musk, who met with him recently. Rumours also suggest Musk may donate a significant £78 million to Farage’s party.
Farage expressed his willingness to assist the UK-US relationship in an interview with The Telegraph. He stated: “Our relationship with the USA is by far our most important. If it helps the national interest, I would be happy to act as a bridge.”
Mandelson’s response to criticism
Peter Mandelson has acknowledged the criticism but confirmed his intent to set aside past differences. He is ready to work with anyone within Musk’s network. During an appearance on his Times podcast, Mandelson said it was essential to set aside personal pride and focus on building valuable connections. “You need to find out who his friends are and try to get into those networks,” he said.
Mandelson also recognised the rapid nature of online reactions and emphasised the need to stay prepared. However, he downplayed the “absolute moron” tweet, explaining that the comment came from an election strategist with no ties to Trump’s current team. “I doubt he cleared his lines with the president-elect before sending that out,” Mandelson explained.
Lord Kim Darroch, the former British Ambassador to the US, also weighed in on the challenges Mandelson could face. He predicted that Mandelson’s appointment would likely attract more controversy. Darroch compared Trump’s return to the White House to “a 24/7 bar-room brawl,” emphasising that unpredictability would be the norm. He offered crucial advice to the new ambassador: be ready for Trump’s notorious early-morning tweetstorms.
“I can’t tell you how often I got woken up at 5am in Washington,” Darroch recalled. “Trump wakes up very early and sends out tweets that are completely unfiltered. These tweets often touch on global matters, including the UK.” Darroch noted that Trump had frequently criticised Theresa May’s handling of Brexit.
Mandelson will have to navigate these challenges in his new role. With Trump’s unpredictable social media presence, tensions between the UK and US could continue to surface.
