Nigel Farage Offers to Assist Peter Mandelson in U.S.-UK Relations Under Trump Administration

 

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK and a known ally of Donald Trump, has expressed his willingness to work with Labour’s Peter Mandelson, recently appointed as the UK’s ambassador to the United States, to navigate relations with the incoming Trump administration.

Mandelson, a seasoned political figure and former EU trade commissioner, is set to assume his role in early 2025. His extensive experience in trade and diplomacy is seen as an asset amid concerns about President-elect Trump’s plans to introduce sweeping tariffs. However, Mandelson’s prior criticism of Trump, including labeling him as “little short of a white nationalist and racist,” could pose challenges in fostering strong US-UK relations.

Farage, known for his close ties to Trump, has positioned himself as a potential bridge between Westminster and Washington. Speaking to The Telegraph, he indicated a willingness to assist Labour if it served the “national interest,” despite his lack of alignment with the party’s policies.

“I am no fan of the Labour Party, but if it is in the national interest, I’ve always believed I could be a valuable asset. If they don’t want to use that, more fool them,” Farage said.

He highlighted his ability to aid negotiations on key issues such as trade, defense, intelligence-sharing, and counterterrorism. “The US is our most important relationship in the world—forget Brussels,” Farage added, suggesting trade talks with the Trump administration might proceed sector by sector.

When asked about Farage’s potential involvement, a Downing Street spokesperson declined to comment directly, stating only that Prime Minister Keir Starmer had already begun establishing a relationship with Trump.

Farage previously offered his services as an intermediary between Trump and the UK government during Trump’s first presidency, though his efforts were met with skepticism by past administrations.

Mandelson’s extensive resume includes roles as the UK’s Secretary of State for Trade and EU Trade Commissioner. Despite this, his past remarks about Trump have drawn criticism. Over the weekend, a Trump campaign adviser dismissed Mandelson as “an absolute moron,” though Foreign Office sources defended the Labour grandee, citing his expertise as critical during a potentially turbulent period for US-UK trade relations.

As the UK prepares for a second Trump presidency, the dynamics of this high-stakes diplomatic relationship remain uncertain. Whether Farage will play a role in shaping these efforts remains to be seen.