One of Donald Trump’s close aides has slammed the government’s decision to name Lord Peter Mandelson as the new ambassador to the US.
Chris LaCivita, the president-elect’s co-campaign manager, delivered a blistering two-word attack on Lord Mandelson, who served under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.
LaCivita called the Labour peer an “absolute moron” as he tore apart Labour’s choice of diplomat to replace Dame Karen Pierce.
He wrote on social media platform X: “This UK govt is special replace a professional universally respected Ambo with an absolute moron – he should stay home! SAD! Mandelson described Trump as a danger to the world and ‘little short of a white nationalist’.”
Lord Mandelson previously said Trump was a “little short of a white nationalist and racist”, a “reckless and a danger to the world”, and “a bully”.
He said: “What Donald Trump represents and believes is anathema to mainstream British opinion and the idea that as a result of Brexit, we have to kowtow to an American president who holds those views will outrage people in Britain.”
During his time as New Labour’s spin doctor, Lord Mandelson earned the nickname “the Prince of Darkness” after being appointed as director of communications by party leader Neil Kinnock.
He said of his new role as US ambassador: “It is a great honour to serve the country in this way.
“We face challenges in Britain but also big opportunities and it will be a privilege to work with the government to land those opportunities, both for our economy and our nation’s security, and to advance our historic alliance with the United States.”
Keir Starmer added: “The United States is one of our most important allies and as we move into a new chapter in our friendship, Peter will bring unrivalled experience to the role and take our partnership from strength to strength.
“I would also like to thank Dame Karen Pierce for her invaluable service for the last four years, and in particular the wisdom and steadfast support she has given me personally since July.
“She made history as the first woman to serve as UK ambassador to the US and she has been an outstanding representative of our country abroad. I wish her all the very best in future.”
