Donald Trump has refuted any acquaintance with dismissed US ambassador Peter Mandelson, despite being captured on camera shaking hands with him. The US President delivered a harsh response when questioned about the UK’s former top envoy in Washington, who was terminated by Keir Starmer last week following revelations of his association with Jeffrey Epstein.
During a press conference with Keir Starmer, Mr. Trump stated that he was not familiar with Lord Mandelson and suggested that the Prime Minister should address the matter. He emphasized that it was a decision made by Lord Mandelson and deferred to the PM for further elaboration.
Contrary to his denial, photographic evidence exists of Mr. Trump exchanging pleasantries with Lord Mandelson in the Oval Office during the signing of a trade agreement between the US and the UK in May. Despite this, Mr. Trump insisted that he did not know Lord Mandelson personally.
The sudden dismissal of Lord Mandelson left the UK without a US ambassador right before a state visit, prompting James Roscoe to step in as the UK’s charge d’affaires in Washington at short notice.
The controversy surrounding Lord Mandelson’s firing came to light following the disclosure of emails where he encouraged Epstein to seek early release before his imprisonment. Allegations also surfaced that he had expressed admiration for Epstein just before the latter’s conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor in 2008.
Mr. Trump also continues to deny any involvement in a suggestive letter reportedly written by him in Epstein’s 50th birthday book in 2003. Epstein, facing sex trafficking charges, died in a New York jail cell in 2019.