Donald Trump has no interest in David Miliband becoming the next US ambassador, a Republican source has claimed, delivering another setback for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The source told The Sun: 'Trump doesn't like Peter Mandelson, but he has no time for David Miliband either.' They added: 'Miliband would never get to be ambassador. No one called Miliband will stand a chance.'
The revelation comes as Sir Keir faces pressure to drop Peter Mandelson as the preferred candidate for the Washington post due to his ties with the European Union and China. Lord Mandelson remains Number 10's first choice, with some officials confident he will secure White House approval. However, a string of briefings from Trump allies has condemned his appointment.
David Miliband, the former Foreign Secretary, has been positioning himself for the role should Lord Mandelson be blocked. He is the brother of Ed Miliband, the Environment Secretary and former Labour leader. The Trump ally's comments suggest neither brother is acceptable to the president.
For an ambassadorial nominee to formally take up their post, the US president must accept their 'letters of credence'. While it is possible for Mr Trump to refuse Lord Mandelson's credentials, a British Embassy source described this as 'highly unlikely'. Earlier this month, Lord Mandelson was not invited to Trump's Presidential Inauguration.
Claims that the current ambassador, Dame Karen Pierce, hoped Trump would block Lord Mandelson's appointment have been dismissed by the embassy as 'categorically untrue'. The situation underscores the diplomatic challenges facing the Starmer government as it seeks to navigate relations with the new Trump administration.
