Former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss has launched her YouTube show, declaring her intention to expose “the evil-doers” undermining democracies in Britain, the US, and Europe. In her inaugural episode, she emphasized a mission to highlight an “international network of leftists” that she claims seeks to subvert the will of the people. Truss’s show aims to draw inspiration from the Trump revolution, positioning her to engage with key figures of the MAGA movement.
Truss’s foray into this media landscape comes with strong backing from John Solomon, a controversial US journalist whose platform, Just the News, is set to host her podcasts. Solomon described the launch as the start of a “kind of revolution,” signaling Truss’s alignment with a significant conservative media network that has been instrumental in amplifying MAGA narratives. In her first week, Truss’s channel gained over 10,000 subscribers and her debut episode attracted 67,000 views, suggesting a modest but promising start.
Despite the initial success, Truss’s association with Solomon has raised eyebrows. Solomon founded Just the News after facing criticism for promoting questionable narratives about US political figures, including Joe Biden and former ambassador Marie Yovanovitch. His reporting played a pivotal role in the events leading to Trump’s first impeachment, an experience that has left a controversial legacy. Alex Hinton, a professor of anthropology at Rutgers University, noted that while Just the News may not be widely recognized outside MAGA circles, its influence within them is significant.
Truss’s connection with Solomon and other right-wing figures, such as Steve Bannon and Tucker Carlson, indicates her increasing involvement in a broader conservative media ecosystem. The former prime minister has already engaged Bannon for interviews, further embedding herself within this network that often echoes similar themes of media censorship and anti-establishment sentiments.
The implications of Truss’s move into MAGA media extend beyond mere celebrity. Observers in both the UK and US are assessing how her emergence could influence political narratives on both sides of the Atlantic. Rob Flaherty, a deputy campaign manager for Kamala Harris in the upcoming presidential election, commented on the potential for this ecosystem to reshape political discourse in the UK, suggesting it mirrors conditions that allowed similar movements to flourish in the US.
As Truss attempts to navigate this new terrain, she faces skepticism regarding her ability to resonate with audiences. Critics argue that her presentation lacks the charisma necessary to captivate viewers. Craig Oliver, a former communications chief for David Cameron, expressed doubt about her effectiveness, stating that successful media personalities must possess the ability to engage and hold attention.
Despite the challenges, some experts believe there is room for Truss to redefine her public image. Hinton described her partnership with Just the News as a “media marriage of convenience,” offering both parties the opportunity to enhance their visibility. For Truss, aligning with a well-known conservative figure may provide a platform to reinvent herself following her brief and tumultuous premiership.
As she embarks on this new chapter, Truss’s rhetoric includes references that align with American political discourse, such as, “We’re now poorer than Mississippi,” which may not resonate with British audiences. This adaptation suggests an effort to expand her appeal beyond the UK, tapping into the broader MAGA narrative.
In summary, Liz Truss’s entry into the MAGA media landscape through her YouTube show marks a significant shift in her political strategy. By leveraging connections with influential conservative figures and media platforms, she aims to foster a new narrative that aligns with her political aspirations. As this venture unfolds, the impact on both British and American political conversations remains to be seen.
