Donald Trump is reportedly still threatening to block the appointment of Peter Mandelson as Britain’s next ambassador to Washington, unless the UK government agrees to impose tough restrictions on his behaviour.
The incoming Trump administration is said to be pressuring Sir Keir Starmer to give in to these “undiplomatic” demands or risk an unprecedented rejection of his chosen envoy. A source close to the Trump team claimed the president remains determined to deny Lord Mandelson credentials, but may grant them “conditionally” and on a “very short leash”.
It was revealed over the weekend that Trump was considering the rarely used tactic of denying an ambassador’s credentials. It is not believed that any British ambassador to the United States, nor any American ambassador to the United Kingdom, has ever been rejected in this way.
Much of the discomfort is said to stem from Lord Mandelson’s preference for strong relations with China. The Labor government’s outreach to Beijing – including a recent high-level trip by Chancellor Rachel Reeves – has raised eyebrows in Washington. A White House source claimed: “The Starmer government appears to be courting China as an alternative to the relationship with the US. Nobody here buys it. “It is completely ridiculous and undermines the position of the British government.”
Downing Street officials denied claims there was a rift between Sir Keir’s senior advisers over the appointment of Lord Mandelson. Although Chief of Staff Morgan McSweeney was mentioned as a supporter, while National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell was said to have reservations, a senior official insisted that any such suggestion was “completely inaccurate.”
However, the UK Embassy in Washington appears aware of the concerns surrounding the former European Commissioner and Minister. Ms. Karen Pierce, the current ambassador, made an unexpected appearance at an inauguration ceremony on Friday hosted by right-wing figures in the United Kingdom and the United States. She reportedly asked several guests for their opinions on Lord Mandelson’s proposed arrival.
Lady Karen’s presence also sparked speculation that the aim was to prevent Lord Mandelson from attending. Current and incoming ambassadors cannot attend the same event under protocol rules, and the ceremony was ostensibly intended to introduce Lord Mandelson to members of Trump’s inner circle.
The Trump administration is fully aware that refusing to accept Lord Mandelson would constitute an “insult” to Sir Keir, who was not invited to the inauguration – a significant snub given that other foreign leaders have already received invitations.
Tensions between Starmer’s government and the incoming White House team stem from Britain’s Labor Party’s decision to send more than 100 activists to support Kamala Harris, Trump’s Democratic rival, during the presidential campaign. Adding to the tension, technology entrepreneur Elon Musk, a Trump ally, has used his social media platforms to criticize Sir Keir on issues ranging from far-right riots in Britain to the jailing of activist Tommy Robinson, with accusations that Labor is “against free speech.” .
In parallel, senior Republicans are pressuring Trump to openly support Nigel Farage and his UK Reform Party in the upcoming UK general election.
Downing Street denied reports of a looming credibility crisis, describing talk about the possibility of Washington rejecting Lord Mandelson as “speculation.” However, the risk of a diplomatic stalemate remains, with Washington insiders insisting that the Starmer administration will need to address concerns about the potential envoy’s record – particularly with regard to China – if it is to avoid an unprecedented veto by President Trump.