Trump campaign manager calls Lord Mandelson ‘an absolute moron’

As first reported in The Times, Lord Mandelson will replace Dame Karen Pierce, whose term in Washington DC is due to end as Trump enters the White House in early 2025.

Dubbed the “Prince of Darkness” during his years as New Labour’s spin doctor, the 71-year-old will now be the key link between the prime minister and Trump’s incoming administration during a crucial time for US-UK diplomacy.

Like other senior Labour figures, Lord Mandelson has a record of criticising Donald Trump, once describing him as “little short of a white nationalist and racist”.

Those comments were the focus of Mr LaCivita’s criticism of Lord Mandelson, as he said in his post on X that the incoming ambassador “described Trump as a danger to the world and ‘little short of a white nationalist'”.

In a statement following his appointment, Lord Mandelson said: “We face challenges in Britain, but also big opportunities and it will be a privilege to work with the government to land those opportunities.”

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was “delighted” to appoint Lord Mandelson.

“The United States is one of our most important allies and as we move into a new chapter in our friendship,” he said in a statement.

“Peter will bring unrivalled experience to the role and take our partnership from strength to strength.”

Sir Keir also thanked Dame Karen for “her invaluable service for the last four years, and in particular the wisdom and steadfast support she has given me personally since July”.

UK ambassadors are normally career diplomats or civil servants, but Downing Street said choosing a leading Labour politician “shows just how importantly we see our relationship with the Trump administration”.