Peter Mandelson has told the Ditchley Foundation that Donald Trump is a risk-taker who offers a necessary wake-up call to a stagnant political establishment. He made these remarks ahead of Trump’s second state visit to the UK this month.
As the UK’s ambassador to Washington, Mandelson described Trump as a symbol of a new political force, reflecting the frustration of voters with politics as usual. Much of his speech focused on the need for a US-UK technology partnership in areas like AI, quantum computing, and rare-earth minerals. He argued that such cooperation is essential to compete with China, a contest he believes will define this century.
Mandelson suggested this partnership could become as significant as the security alliance forged during World War II. He warned that if China achieves technological dominance, it will affect every aspect of our lives. Initial steps toward this collaboration, including commitments to affordable nuclear energy to power AI development, are expected to be announced during Trump’s visit.
Although a strong supporter of Europe, Mandelson claimed Brexit has not diminished the UK’s importance to the US. Instead, he argued, leaving the EU has freed Britain from regulatory constraints, making it more appealing to American investors.
Critics may argue that Mandelson’s view of Trump’s populism assumes shared values between the “Make America Great Again” movement and European liberal democracy—an assumption they say is increasingly questionable. In advocating for closer US-UK ties, Mandelson did not address key disagreements, such as Gaza, international law, Trump’s stance on Putin’s actions in Ukraine, or concerns about growing authoritarianism in US domestic politics.
Mandelson insisted he is not acting as Trump’s chief apologist and denied the need to be overly deferential to the Trump administration. Still, he praised the president for recognizing the anxieties of millions of disaffected voters. He dismissed calls to distance from Trump’s America as “lazy thinking,” maintaining that policies like “America First” on climate, aid, and trade do not rule out a strong partnership.
He acknowledged that Trump often breaks with tradition but argued his willingness to take risks is what the current moment demands. Mandelson highlighted Trump’s readiness to engage in international conflicts and convene nations where other leaders might hesitate, suggesting that “America First” does not mean isolation. He pointed to Trump’s efforts in Ukraine as an example of his active, though unconventional, approach to global challenges.Over the last seven months, the so-called “international order” that critics claim Trump has disrupted—and the stability he is accused of shattering—was already on the verge of collapse. In my view, Trump is more a consequence than a cause of the current upheaval.
He doesn’t always get everything right, but through his Sharpie memos and informal press sessions in the Oval Office, he has delivered a powerful wake-up call to the international establishment.
The president is correct that the status quo has failed from America’s perspective. For too long, the world has relied on the U.S. to act as sheriff—forming a posse whenever trouble arises, while allies often followed at a distance, leaving America to shoulder most of the burden.
Going beyond the UK’s official stance, he praised Trump’s military strike against Iran, arguing that Trump grasps the coercive power of traditional American deterrence—using a mix of strength and strategic unpredictability to keep adversaries in check. His decisive action on Iran’s nuclear program, for example, not only had military significance but also gave numerous hostile regimes reason to reconsider their actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about Peter Mandelsons comments on Trump and the USUK tech partnership designed to be clear and helpful
General Understanding
Q Who is Peter Mandelson
A He is a senior British politician and former European Commissioner for Trade He is a key figure in the Labour Party and is known for his influential role in UK politics and business
Q What did Peter Mandelson say about Donald Trump
A He praised Donald Trump as a risktaker suggesting this trait could be beneficial in forging a new USUK technology partnership especially after Brexit
Q What is this USUK tech partnership hes talking about
A Its a proposed formal agreement between the two countries to collaborate on developing new technologies like artificial intelligence quantum computing and semiconductors The goal is to boost innovation investment and set shared global standards
Reasons and Benefits
Q Why would the UK want a tech partnership with the US
A After leaving the European Union the UK is seeking new major trade and strategic alliances A partnership with the worlds leading tech hub would provide access to investment talent and markets to help the UK compete globally
Q Whats in it for the United States
A The US would gain a strong likeminded ally with a robust tech sector and worldclass universities for research and development It also helps counter the technological influence of rivals like China
Q Why call Trump a risktaker in this context Is that a compliment
A In this context its a strategic observation not necessarily a full endorsement Mandelson is suggesting that Trumps unpredictable and dealoriented nature might be whats needed to break from traditional politics and quickly negotiate a bold new agreement that more conventional politicians might avoid
Potential Issues and Criticism
Q Isnt this controversial Trump is a divisive figure
A Yes very Many people and politicians including some in Mandelsons own party strongly disagree with praising Trump due to his policies and past statements They argue that aligning closely with him could damage the UKs reputation and values
Q What are the risks of this kind of partnership
