In an unusual turn of events, President Donald Trump is contemplating the rejection of Sir Keir Starmers nominee for UK ambassador to the U.S., Peter Mandelson.
This potential move has raised eyebrows, as it is not common for a president to reject an ambassadorial nominee.
According to The Independent, insiders from the Trump team have expressed uncertainty over whether Mandelson's credentials will be accepted by Trump once he assumes office. This uncertainty is attributed to the strained relations between the Labour government and the incoming administration, as well as concerns about Mandelsons perceived affiliations with China.
The Labour party has attempted to frame the nomination of such a senior Labour figure as a compliment to the Trump transition team. However, this sentiment has been met with skepticism, with a source stating, We are not buying that. The source also pointed out that Mandelson did not attend the pre-inauguration party hosted by Nigel Farage in Washington DC, despite being invited to help foster relationships with key members of the Trump team.
The process of ambassadorial nomination requires the head of state of the host country to accept the letters of credence from the nominee. In the UK, this is done via the Court of St Jamess where letters are presented to the King, while in the US, the letters must be presented to the president.
The strained relationship between Trump and the British government has been exacerbated by the nomination of Mandelson. However, it is Mandelson's connections with China that are causing the most concern for the incoming Trump administration. One source stated, It is quite possible that Mandelsons credentials could still be rejected. There are serious concerns about his links to China.
Mandelson has been a vocal advocate for close trading and other ties with China. In 2018, he wrote an article warning that Trumps antipathy to China was putting free trade at risk. This stance, along with the deteriorating relationship with the Labour government, has raised concerns within the Trump administration.
The Labour government's handling of social media policing and grooming gangs, as well as perceived anti-free speech sentiments, have also contributed to the strained relationship. One source explained, It [Starmers government] is perceived as anti-free speech by the incoming administration. That is a big red line.
Feelings of betrayal have also been expressed by Trump and his team, following a dinner they hosted for Sir Keir and foreign secretary David Lammy. The source explained, Starmer, Lammy and Trump sat down for that dinner. They make a lot about Lammy being given a second helping by Trump but all that does not matter because Labour then sent out activists to help Kamala Harris. Starmer had a terrible briefing saying Harris would win and his actions after undid any goodwill he may have had.
The Trump team would prefer for Labour to retain the current UK ambassador, Dame Karen Pierce, rather than appoint Mandelson. However, there are concerns that if Labour withdraws Mandelson's nomination, they may appoint someone deemed even less suitable.
In response to these concerns, the UK government has defended Mandelson, stating that he would make a brilliant ambassador. Farage, however, suggested that a more entrepreneurial figure who could engage with Trump directly would have been a better choice.
Treasury minister Darren Jones expressed confidence in Mandelson's nomination, stating, "I think Peter Mandelson will be a brilliant ambassador for us and will form a very strong partnership with the new administration."
Despite the controversy surrounding his nomination, Mandelson has dismissed concerns and has even proposed working with Farage to gain Trumps trust. He has written a conciliatory piece for Fox News, in which he stated, The astute among Americas allies will be observing the comprehensive nature of Trumps November election win...Foreign relationships must hear these messages and evolve rapidly to deliver for their citizens. The Atlantic alliance cannot simply enjoy its glorious past it must adapt to new threats and technological challenges."
In the midst of this diplomatic uncertainty, the focus remains on maintaining the special relationship between the U.S. and the UK, and ensuring that it evolves to meet the challenges of the present and future.
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