Former Ambassador Predicts Trump White House Will Resemble ‘Constant Bar-Room Brawl’ | Politics News
The former UK’s ambassador to Washington has described Donald Trump’s potential second term as president as resembling a “24/7 bar-room brawl.”
Lord Darroch served as the UK’s representative to the US from 2016 to 2019, during Mr. Trump’s last term, until leaked cables exposed his criticisms of the president.
During an appearance on Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, he discussed what Lord Mandelson can expect as ambassador to the US with the 47th president.
Lord Darroch has cautioned against the aggressive nature of Donald Trump. Pic: Reuters
Lord Darroch urged not to take political attacks and criticisms “too seriously.”
This statement came after a Trump campaign adviser referred to Lord Mandelson as a “moron”.
According to Lord Darroch, this reaction is typical now – “this is what life is going to be like under Trump 2.0,” he mentioned.
“It’s akin to a 24/7 bar-room brawl, and you can expect this sort of behavior continuously.
“A thick skin is essential, and effective management of the situation is required.”
He added that Lord Mandelson, being an experienced politician, “can handle” the challenges that may arise.
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Advice for a new ambassador
When asked for his advice to Lord Mandelson — a key figure in the New Labour movement — Lord Darroch highlighted three key points.
His first suggestion emphasized the necessity of stepping outside of Washington DC, which he described as a “90% Democrat city” that does not accurately reflect the Republican-leaning areas.
If the president-elect faces dwindling popularity in the Midwest and Deep South, “he’s in trouble,” remarked Lord Darroch.
Lord Mandelson will assume his new role in the upcoming year. Pic: Reuters
His second point highlighted Trump’s attentiveness to the opinions of successful businesspeople and billionaires.
The returning president is unlikely to be influenced by government officials appealing to his sense of duty, but rather by wealthy individuals suggesting that his choices might negatively impact the economy, he noted.
As such, networking and lobbying the affluent to influence decisions at the Oval Office are vital, he advised.
Lastly, he warned to be prepared for the “5am tweet storm.”
Although Twitter has rebranded to X, Mr. Trump continues to be active on social media, which will play a more significant role during his potential return to power.
Lord Darroch remarked: “I lost count of how many times I was roused at 5am while in Washington, which corresponds to 11, or rather 10am UK time, because Trump has a tendency to wake early and tweet unfiltered thoughts.
“He will comment on global events, including happenings in the UK.”
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This could provoke reactions in the UK, he said, emphasizing the need to be “assertive about the British stance,” including expressing “criticism” if Mr. Trump makes questionable statements.
When asked if the relationship between Mr. Trump and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage could obstruct the new ambassador’s work, Lord Darroch responded that it would merely be “part of the landscape” and that Lord Mandelson should not overthink it.
