“That, they are hoping, will smooth the way for what could potentially be a bit of an awkward conversation with the Prime Minister. They will be discussing some of those issues around tariffs.”
However, she added: “There is also the very embarrassing thorny issue of Epstein and the fallout with that with Mandelson being fired. I think the Prime Minister certainly has a lot riding on this. President Trump has had a very rocky week or so. To put it mildly, I think it’s going to be a nice break for him, frankly, across the Atlantic.”
Continuing to discuss the visit, the broadcaster claimed: “There’s certainly going to be a few awkward questions asked.”
Lord Mandelson was sacked in recent days after a cache of emails showed supportive messages he sent after paedophile Jeffrey Epstein pleaded guilty to sex offences.
Meanwhile, the White House denied that an alleged letter from Trump to Epstein was authentic, telling the media the world leader “did not draw this picture, and he did not sign it”.
The birthday letter, which includes an outline of a woman’s body, was part of a “birthday book” given to the disgraced businessman in 2003.
Firth expanded: “You’ve seen Keir Starmer get a huge amount of heat for his handling of the whole situation and it’s embarrassing for President Trump as well as it’s a scandal he wants desperately to distance himself from.”