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

Confirmation of role as ambassador to Washington drew attack by Trump campaign adviser on X

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”.