Donald Trump has refuted any knowledge of former US ambassador Peter Mandelson despite photographic evidence of them shaking hands. The US President dismissed any connection when questioned about the UK’s former top diplomat in Washington, who was dismissed by Keir Starmer last week following revelations of his association with Jeffrey Epstein.
During a press conference with Keir Starmer, Mr. Trump responded, “I don’t know him actually,” when asked if he sympathized with Lord Mandelson’s dismissal over historical ties to the infamous pedophile. He redirected the inquiry to the Prime Minister, stating, “I had heard that and I think maybe the Prime Minister would be better speaking of that. It was a choice that he made and I don’t know.” He then turned to the PM, inquiring, “What is your answer to that?”
The Prime Minister explained, “Well, I mean, it’s very straightforward. Some information came to light last week which wasn’t available when he was appointed. And I made a decision about it, and that’s very clear.”
Despite his denial, Mr. Trump had been photographed shaking hands with Lord Mandelson in the Oval Office in May during the signing of a trade agreement between the US and the UK. At that time, Mr. Trump praised Lord Mandelson’s “beautiful accent” and even autographed a copy of the deal for the Labour grandee.
Lord Mandelson displayed a signed paper from the President, with the message, “Peter, great job!”
The controversy had the potential to overshadow Mr. Trump’s state visit, as questions arose about his association with Epstein. Mr. Trump claimed that he had severed ties with Epstein before the latter’s conviction in 2009.
Following Lord Mandelson’s dismissal, the UK was left without a US ambassador for the state visit, with James Roscoe, the UK’s charge d’affaires in Washington, assuming the role at the last minute.
Mr. Trump’s denial comes amid revelations of emails where Lord Mandelson urged Epstein to seek early release shortly before his imprisonment. Additionally, Lord Mandelson reportedly expressed admiration for Epstein the day before the financier began his sentence for soliciting prostitution from a minor in 2008.
Mr. Trump also continues to deny writing a suggestive letter in Epstein’s 50th birthday book in 2003. Epstein died in a New York jail cell in 2019 while facing charges of sex trafficking.
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