Jones said the government was optimistic about the chances of a good relationship with the incoming administration, highlighting “opportunities for us to seize” around a potential post-Brexit trade deal, which he suggested could include technology.

“Donald Trump is well-known for wanting to do a good deal – I think there are plenty of good deals for us to do together,” he said.

“There are definitely opportunities to deepen our trading relationships, not least in technology, science and research… and I think that’s something that could be a positive outcome.”

Speaking to the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, the Treasury minister suggested the UK could dodge Trump’s pledge for a 20% tax on all imports into the US due to not being in a “trade deficit”, adding ministers have “prepared for all scenarios”.

Jones also expressed confidence Lord Mandelson will “form a very strong partnership with the new administration”, despite some reports that the incoming president may reject him – and a top Trump adviser dismissing him as an “absolute moron”.

The appointment of Lord Mandelson, who is best-known as a New Labour spin doctor and minister under Tony Blair, is the first time in 50 years that a PM has selected a politician rather than a diplomat for the role, which Jones said was “because we want to do things differently”.

Asked about the Labour Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, warning of “resurgent fascism”, external ahead of Trump’s inauguration, Jones strongly disagreed, insisting the UK government respected Trump’s democratic mandate, adding: “I speak on behalf of the government and we don’t agree with it”.