Donald Trump is reportedly threatening to block the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the next British ambassador to Washington, unless the UK government agrees to place stricter restrictions on his behaviour.
The incoming Trump administration is said to be pressuring Sir Keir Starmer to comply with these “unpatriotic” demands or risk an unprecedented rejection by his chosen envoy. A source close to Trump’s team said the president is still willing to reject Lord Mandelson but may offer them “conditionally” with a “very short agreement”.
It emerged at the weekend that Mr Trump was considering an unusual tactic used to reject diplomatic missions. Neither the British embassy in the US, nor the American embassy in the UK, is believed to have been turned away in this way.
Much of the disruption is reportedly stemming from Lord Mandelson’s desire for a stronger relationship with China. The Labor government’s outreach to Beijing – including a recent trip by Chancellor Rachel Reeves – has raised eyebrows in Washington. A White House source said: “It looks like the Starmer government is flirting with China as a way to backtrack on relations with the US. Nobody here is buying it; it’s completely ridiculous and it undermines the British government’s position.”
Downing Street officials have denied allegations of disagreements between Sir Keir’s top advisers over Lord Mandelson’s appointment. While chief of staff Morgan McSweeney is said to be supportive, and national security adviser Jonathan Powell is rumored to be holding back, the official stressed that any such suggestion is “absolutely not” true.
However, the UK embassy in Washington seems to be living through the problems involving the former European commissioner and cabinet minister. Dame Karen Pierce, the current ambassador, made a surprise appearance at Friday’s inauguration hosted by UK and US figures. He reportedly asked a number of guests for their views on Lord Mandelson’s proposed arrival.
Dame Karen’s presence also sparked speculation that it was intended to prevent Lord Mandelson from attending. Current and incoming ambassadors cannot appear at the same event under protocol rules, and the party was intended to introduce Lord Mandelson to members of Mr Mandelson’s inner circle.
The Trump administration is well aware that refusing to host Lord Mandelson would bring “shame” on Sir Keir, who was not invited to his inauguration – a significant insult as other foreign leaders have received invitations.
The rift between the Starmer government and the incoming White House team began over the UK Labor Party’s decision to send more than 100 activists to support Kamala Harris, Mr Trump’s Democratic rival, during the presidential campaign. Adding to the crisis, tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, who is a friend of Mr Trump, has used social media to criticize Sir Keir over issues ranging from Britain’s riots to the arrest of activist Tommy Robinson, alleging Labor’s “anti-liberal speech”.
Similarly, senior Republicans want Mr Trump to openly support Nigel Farage and his Reform UK party in the upcoming UK general election.
Downing Street has dismissed reports of a looming credibility crisis, calling talk of Lord Mandelson’s possible disapproval of Washington’s “ideology”. However, the risk of political conflict remains, with Washington insiders stressing that the Starmer administration will need to address concerns about the record of potential delegates – particularly regarding China – if it is to avoid an unprecedented veto by President Trump.
