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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
James Tapper

Diplomats defend Mandelson after US aide’s ‘absolute moron’ jibe

Donald Trump Peter Mandelson Chris LaCivita United States United Kingdom Karen Pierce European Union
Peter Mandelson has been appointed ambassador to the US
Peter Mandelson has been appointed ambassador to the US. Photograph: Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing/Getty Images

Senior diplomats have dismissed insults aimed at Peter Mandelson by allies of Donald Trump, saying he has more than enough experience in the hard world of diplomacy to succeed as ambassador to Washington.

Foreign Office sources rallied to Lord Mandelson’s defence on Saturday after confirmation of his appointment, which prompted a Trump campaign adviser to call him “an absolute moron”.

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