Former British Prime Minister Liz Truss has launched her YouTube show, aiming to connect with the conservative movement in the United States, particularly the MAGA (Make America Great Again) faction. In the inaugural episode, she vowed to expose “the evil-doers” undermining democracy in the UK, the US, and Europe. Truss framed her mission as an effort to reveal an “international network of leftists” working against the will of the people.
Truss expressed her intent to draw inspiration from the Trump revolution, stating, “We’re going to look at the Trump revolution and see how this can be achieved in Britain.” She plans to engage with prominent figures within the MAGA movement, including Steve Bannon, who has already appeared on her show. The venture has garnered attention, with Truss amassing 10,000 subscribers within her first week and her debut episode achieving 67,000 views.
Truss Partners with Controversial Figures
The launch of Truss’s show has prompted her to align with notable figures in the conservative media landscape, notably John Solomon, a controversial journalist known for his ties to the MAGA movement. Solomon’s platform, Just the News, will host Truss’s podcasts, marking a significant entry point into the US-driven conservative ecosystem. Despite its limited recognition outside the MAGA sphere, Just the News has gained traction, largely due to Solomon’s connections and past appearances on influential programs like Sean Hannity’s show.
Solomon has faced scrutiny for his reporting, particularly regarding Joe Biden and Ukraine, where he was accused of using unreliable sources. His claims were central to a political controversy that led to impeachment proceedings against former President Trump. Although he did not respond to inquiries about his support for Truss, he has consistently defended his work.
Truss’s alignment with Solomon and Just the News indicates a strategic move to enter a network that amplifies MAGA narratives, including themes of alleged media censorship and the existence of a “deep state.” Truss has attributed her political downfall to this deep state, further aligning her with the MAGA ideology.
Impact of the MAGA Ecosystem in the UK
Experts note that Truss’s foray into the MAGA media landscape is part of a broader trend in the UK, where online conservative movements are gaining influence. Alex Hinton, a professor at Rutgers University, remarked on the interconnectedness of digital media, stating, “Digital media knows no borders.” Truss’s embrace of MAGA talking points, such as her comment on the UK being “poorer than Mississippi,” signals her intent to resonate with an audience across the Atlantic.
While some British observers have mocked Truss’s attempts to reinvent her image, others see her potential to tap into a growing network of conservative media that has successfully shaped political discourse in the US. Rob Flaherty, a deputy campaign manager for Vice President Kamala Harris, emphasized the need to take Truss’s efforts seriously, noting that the conditions in the UK mirror those that allowed the MAGA ecosystem to thrive in the US.
Criticism of Truss has included concerns about her effectiveness in the medium. Craig Oliver, former communications chief for David Cameron, suggested that charisma is essential for success in this arena, a quality that Truss has struggled to demonstrate. Despite this, others believe that the alternative media landscape offers opportunities for political comebacks, highlighting the dynamic nature of this environment.
As Truss navigates her association with controversial figures like Solomon and Bannon, her initiative reflects a significant shift in the UK’s political media landscape. By leveraging the established MAGA framework, Truss aims to revitalize her political career while contributing to the broader conservative narrative that challenges mainstream perspectives. The outcome of her efforts will be closely monitored as the political climate continues to evolve on both sides of the Atlantic.
