Peter Mandelson’s admission that he was wrong to say Donald Trump is a “danger to the world” is an “incredible personal victory” for the US President, says Nigel Farage.
The ex-Labour minister has been named as the next UK ambassador to the US, but questions are being raised about whether he will be accepted by the Trump administration.
His 2019 comments were raised during an interview with Fox News, where he walked back his criticisms.
“I consider my remarks about President Trump as ill-judged and wrong”, he said.
Nigel Farage says Trump has secured an ‘incredible personal victory’
REUTERS / GB NEWS
“I think times and attitudes towards the president have changed since then.
I think people have been impressed, not just by the extraordinary second mandate that he has received from the American people, but the dynamism and energy with which he approached not just the campaign but government as well.”
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Speaking on GB News, former Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng joined Nigel to reflect on the comments which he branded “embarrassing”.
“What’s happened is that all the Never Trumpers, all the people who said he was a white nationalist, have essentially bent the heel”, he said.
“They’ve submitted. Look at Peter Mandelson, he was so insincere. I know Peter and I like him, but when he said that thing on Fox News, it was almost as if something had been stuffed in his backside just for him to say ‘Donald Trump is one fresh prince’.
“I don’t think he believes that. I think he has to say that to get the job ratified. It’s quite embarrassing.
“I think it would be embarrassing for Peter and the person who will be enjoying it most and loving every minute will be Donald Trump.”
As part of the process Lord Mandelson’s credentials have to be presented to Trump, and the president is said to be willing to comply with the decision.
Mandelson has previously referred to Trump as “reckless” and “a bully”.
Some of the president’s allies had suggested that Trump could block Mandelson in an extraordinary move.
Trump’s co-presidential campaign manager Chris LaCivita last month told Mandelson to “stay home” and branded him an “absolute moron” over his past comments on Trump.