By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – Peter Mandelson was fired as Britain’s ambassador to the United States on Thursday after his ties to the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein became another unwelcome problem for the embattled Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Peter Mandelson was dismissed as Britain’s ambassador to the US after his ties with Jeffrey Epstein resurfaced, creating political trouble for PM Keir Starmer.
Emails and notes revealed Mandelson’s continued support for Epstein even after his 2008 conviction.
Mandelson came under scrutiny after US lawmakers released a “birthday book” containing a note in which he described Epstein as “my best pal.”
Starmer, despite the revelation, defended Mandelson, stating that he has “full confidence in Mandelson.
Emails between Mandelson and Epstein were published soon after the issue came to light, wherein Mandelson expressed support for his friend and offers to discuss his unpopular 2008 Florida case with his political contacts.
Epstein pleaded guilty to two state prostitution charges and served 13 months in prison under a controversial plea deal. However, emails obtained by Bloomberg revealed that Mandelson continued to support him even after the conviction.
Democrats on the House Oversight Committee released a racy letter stated that it is signed by President Donald Trump and was included in a 2003 birthday book compiled for Jeffrey Epstein.
The letter comprised a handwritten note and what appears to be a doodle of a curvaceous woman, along with a mysterious message referencing a “wonderful secret.”
House committee released the complete album, which listed other prominent names — including former President Bill Clinton and attorney Alan Dershowitz — in a “friends” section, along with additional letters containing sexually suggestive language.
“We got Trump’s birthday note to Jeffrey Epstein that the President said doesn’t exist. Trump talks about a ‘wonderful secret’ the two of them shared. What is he hiding? Release the files,” Oversight Democrats wrote on X.
The note allegedly written by Trump, reads: “A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday and may every day be another wonderful secret.”
White House was swift in its response, issuing a statement dismissing the authenticity of the note. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt wrote on X: “The latest piece published by the Wall Street Journal PROVES this entire ‘Birthday Card’ story is false.”
“As I have stated all along, it’s very clear President Trump did not draw this picture, and he did not sign it. President Trump’s legal team will continue to aggressively pursue litigation,” she added.
“Furthermore, the ‘reporter’ @joe_palazzolo, who wrote this hatchet job, reached out for comment at the EXACT same minute he published his story, giving us no time to respond. This is FAKE NEWS to perpetuate the Democrat Epstein Hoax!”
The Wall Street Journal reported initial details about the alleged birthday note. Trump denied any involvement, said the words were “not my words, not the way I talk,” and adding, “I don’t draw pictures.” He subsequently filed a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the Journal, accusing the paper of publishing a “fake” report.
