Donald Trump has refuted any knowledge of the dismissed US ambassador Peter Mandelson, despite a photo showing them shaking hands. The US President dismissively responded during a press conference with Keir Starmer, indicating he was unaware of the UK’s top envoy in Washington who was let go by Starmer after his connection with Jeffrey Epstein was disclosed.

Trump stated that he was not familiar with Mandelson when queried about the dismissal due to historical ties to the infamous pedophile. He suggested that the Prime Minister should address the matter and emphasized that he had no involvement in the decision. The Prime Minister clarified that new information had come to light post-appointment, leading to the decision to remove Mandelson from the role.

Despite Trump’s denial, there are documented instances of him interacting with Mandelson, including a meeting in the Oval Office where they signed a trade agreement. During this encounter, Trump complimented Mandelson’s accent and even signed a copy of the deal for him. Mandelson proudly displayed the signed document and quoted Trump as saying, “Peter, great job!”

The controversy surrounding Mandelson’s dismissal had the potential to overshadow Trump’s grand state visit, especially considering Trump’s own association with Epstein. Mandelson’s sudden removal left the UK without a US ambassador, with James Roscoe taking over as the charge d’affaires in Washington.

Mandelson’s termination stemmed from emails surfacing wherein he urged Epstein to seek early release before the latter’s imprisonment. Additionally, Mandelson allegedly expressed admiration for Epstein right before the latter’s incarceration for soliciting prostitution from a minor in 2008. Trump has consistently denied any involvement in the sexually suggestive content found in Epstein’s birthday book.

Epstein’s death in 2019 while facing sex trafficking allegations further added a dark undertone to the saga involving Mandelson and Trump’s association with controversial figures.