Steve Bannon has claimed that Donald Trump's administration is "stunned" that the UK has appointed Lord Peter Mandelson as the country's ambassador to the UK.
Speaking to GBN America, the former White House Chief Strategist stated that unless the UK and US establish a "great relationship", there are "20 other people" he's thought of that would have been a better pick for the role.
Detailing his reasons why his choice would not have been Lord Mandelson, Bannon highlighted how the "horrible things he's said in the past" about the newly inaugurated President play a key factor in why his appointment is unfavourable among Republicans.
Bannon explained: "He meant it because he never thought Trump was coming back, because that's when you really say what you feel.
Steve Bannon has hit out at the appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson as the UK's Ambassador to the US
GBN America
"Now he's over here and the British people are saying he's grovelling on Fox Digital. They put him on the channel. I think Murdoch may be too embarrassed. He's grovelling on the digital and it's embarrassing."
Delivering a pointed attack on Mandelson, Bannon declared that his appointment is a "terrible pick" by the Labour Government, and will impact the MAGA camp significantly.
Bannon told GBNA reporter Steven Edginton: "It's a terrible pick as ambassador. I think it sends a totally wrong signal to MAGA because this guy is against everything we've ever stood for.
"I just think it's a horrible, horrible symbol, and that to me is looked at as an action."
Peter Mandelson has been appointed as the new ambassador to the USAGetty In contrast, Bannon expressed some optimism for the UK-US relationship between Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump, claiming that the President is "excited" to engage with the Labour leader.
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Bannon told GBNA: "President Trump is a people person, and I can see him and the Prime Minister getting along - I know he's excited about it.
"We'll have to see how it plays out."
Noting Trump's friendship in Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, the former White House Strategist suggested that the Clacton MP would have been a better fit for the role, as Americans see him as a "kindred soul".
Bannon added: "When you talk about people and where they really come from, it's Nigel who's known the President for years, campaigned for the President, and Nigel is a big personality here among MAGA people, they know Nigel.
Bannon told GBNA that Nigel Farage is 'highly regarded' in the United States
GBN America
"Nigel was here for the inauguration, one of the best attended events in our entire inauguration over those five days, and folks got to understand there were hundreds, if not thousands of events - one of the best attended by power players was the one that was put on for Nigel.
"That's how highly he's regarded in the United States."
Discussing Nigel's established relationship with not only Trump but Americans as well, Bannon added: "Nigel has been over here, he's gone to the small communities, he's done many talks at small events and small venues. He's spent a lot of time over here talking to people, and people see a kindred soul.
"I think now you've really got to execute on Brexit, and that's why I think the man in the moment, in Nigel Farage, is starting to meet."
