Trump Team Furious at UK Ambassador Pick: 'An Absolute Moron'

Donald Trump's presidential campaign co-manager, Chris LaCivita, is fuming about the UK government's pick for ambassador to the United States.

In a post on X, LaCivita condemned ambassador appointee, Lord Peter Mandelson, calling him an "absolute moron" in reaction to a resurfaced interview where Mandelson spoke critically of Trump.

"This UK govt is special—replace a professional universally respected [ambassador] with an absolute moron—he should stay home! SAD!" LaCivita wrote, citing the 2019 comments where Mandelson called Trump a danger to the world and described him as "little short of a white nationalist and racist."

The appointment of Mandelson, a former cabinet minister under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, was confirmed by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer Friday, Sky News reported. 71-year-old Mandelson will transition to the role in the new year as President-elect Trump prepares to return to the White House.

"We face challenges in Britain but also big opportunities," Mandelson said of his new position. "It will be a privilege to work with the government to land those opportunities, both for our economy and our nation's security, and to advance our historic alliance with the United States."

Prime Minister Starmer praised Mandelson's "unrivaled experience" and expressed confidence in his ability to strengthen UK–US relations. Starmer also thanked outgoing ambassador Dame Karen Pierce, who made history as the first woman to hold the position.

The backlash from Trump's team signals that tensions may lie ahead as the transatlantic partnership enters a new phase.