Analysis from political experts in major news outlets or official government statements

Mandelson Named UK Ambassador to US; Trump Aide Calls Him 'Absolute Moron'

Dec 20, 2024, 11:11 AM

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has appointed Lord Peter Mandelson as Britain's new ambassador to the United States, marking the first political appointment to the role in nearly 50 years. Mandelson, a former Labour cabinet minister and EU trade commissioner, is expected to leverage his expertise in trade and diplomacy to manage relations with the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump. The appointment is seen as a strategic move to secure trade deals and investment from U.S. companies. However, the decision has stirred controversy due to Mandelson's previous critical remarks about Trump, whom he has described as "little short of a white nationalist and racist" and "a danger to the world." Additionally, Chris LaCivita, co-manager of Trump's presidential campaign, reacted to the appointment by calling Mandelson an "absolute moron" and suggesting he "stay home."