Funny how quickly things change.
Lord Peter Mandelson, the newly appointed U.K. ambassador to the United States, is preparing to uphold the “special relationship” between the two nations—a bond long cherished by both London and Washington. But before diving into his diplomatic duties, Mandelson is making one thing clear: his view of President Donald Trump has evolved.
In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Mandelson, who had previously criticized Trump as a “danger to the world” back in 2019, acknowledged that his opinion had changed. “I believe my comments about President Trump was ill-judged and not good,” he admitted. “Times and attitudes directed at the president have changed, and he deserves a new respect.” He specifically pointed to Trump’s second election, saying, “He certainly has from me,” and emphasized that this shift would shape his approach as ambassador.
While there has been speculation that Mandelson’s appointment could face opposition from the White House, he dismissed these rumors. “I’ve heard nothing from President Trump or anyone in his administration to suggest any difficulty with my appointment,” Mandelson said confidently.
In the context of the U.K.-U.S. relationship, Mandelson remains optimistic. Despite some tension, including a social media dispute between tech mogul Elon Musk and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Mandelson believes that both Trump and Starmer are pragmatic leaders who will find common ground. “They’re not Siamese twins,” Mandelson noted, “but they both understand the importance of the U.S.-U.K. partnership.”
Mandelson’s appointment marks a historic shift. He is the first non-career diplomat to hold this prestigious role in over fifty years. This outsider status could be an asset, particularly in dealing with Trump, who himself is no career diplomat. Mandelson believes that both he and Trump share a common goal: improving the lives of their citizens through meaningful change, rather than adhering to traditional political norms.
Looking ahead, Mandelson’s priorities as ambassador will focus on trade, technological innovation, and defense—especially in the face of rising threats from China. “Together, the U.S. and U.K. can stay ahead of China,” Mandelson argued, pointing to the trilateral alliance between the U.S., U.K., and Australia aimed at countering Beijing’s aggression in the Indo-Pacific. He also highlighted the need for a united front to deter China’s growing influence.
Mandelson noted that despite global concerns over security under Trump, the U.K. is not among the nations worried about his unorthodox approach. “Sometimes, it takes a bit of courage and disruption to confront the challenges we face,” he said. “I believe President Trump could go down as one of the most consequential American presidents in modern history.”
In this new chapter of U.K.-U.S. relations, Mandelson is ready to work with President Trump to secure a future where both nations remain strong, resilient, and united against shared global threats.