Liz Truss, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, has launched her own YouTube show, positioning herself within a growing conservative media landscape that echoes themes of the U.S. Maga movement. The first episode of the show, titled the Liz Truss Show, kicked off with a declaration to expose what she termed “the evil-doers” undermining democracy in Britain, the United States, and Europe. Truss’s commentary reflects a broader ambition to connect with the ideological tenets of the U.S. conservative right.
In her inaugural address, Truss emphasized her intention to explore the “Trump revolution” and how its principles could be applied in Britain. “We’ll be talking to the leading lights of the Maga movement,” she announced, signaling her desire to engage with figures who have significant influence within this political sphere. John Solomon, a veteran U.S. journalist known for his controversial reporting, has emerged as a key ally in this endeavor. His platform, Just the News, will host Truss’s podcasts, helping to amplify her message within conservative circles.
10,000 subscribers joined Truss’s channel within the first week, and her debut episode garnered 67,000 views. Although these figures are modest, they signify a promising start in a competitive media landscape. By aligning with Solomon, Truss finds herself integrated into a well-established ecosystem that promotes Maga narratives, including discussions around alleged media censorship and the existence of a so-called “deep state,” which Truss has blamed for the swift end of her premiership.
Solomon, who previously faced criticism for promoting dubious claims regarding U.S. political figures and events, has positioned himself as a significant voice within the Maga movement. His work has been scrutinized for its reliance on unreliable sources, notably in relation to assertions about former Vice President Joe Biden’s actions in Ukraine, which were instrumental in triggering the impeachment inquiry against Donald Trump in 2019. Despite this, Solomon has maintained that he stands by his work, reinforcing his credibility within the conservative media landscape.
Her connection to Solomon and Just the News has positioned Truss as part of a broader network of conservative media outlets that frequently support each other’s content. This network includes platforms where influential figures, such as Steve Bannon and Tucker Carlson, share their views. Truss has already interviewed Bannon, further solidifying her ties to the U.S. conservative movement.
The growth of digital media has allowed for the seamless exchange of ideas across borders, as noted by experts like Alex Hinton, an anthropology professor at Rutgers University. He stated that the online conservative ecosystem in the UK is rapidly expanding, suggesting that Truss’s move could have significant implications for political discourse in Britain.
“Digital media knows no borders,” said Hinton, who highlighted the potential for the UK to adopt Maga talking points. Both Truss and other notable figures, including Nigel Farage, have actively participated in events like the Conservative Political Action Conference, where they espoused themes familiar to the Maga base.
Truss’s initial episodes also appear aimed at appealing to an American audience, with references that may not resonate with typical British viewers. “We’re now poorer than Mississippi,” she remarked, drawing a comparison that underscores her attempt to align with U.S. socio-economic narratives.
Solomon’s efforts to build a conservative media network have included his involvement with the Informing America Foundation, a group that provides financial support to right-leaning media across the U.S. His past claims about reaching over 120 million Americans monthly underscore the potential reach of the content he supports. While both Just the News and the Informing America Foundation did not respond to inquiries about their financial support for Truss’s show, the implications of her association with these organizations are noteworthy.
Critics have raised concerns regarding Truss’s effectiveness in this new role. Observers have noted that her past political missteps and her communication style may hinder her efforts to gain a significant foothold within the Maga ecosystem. Craig Oliver, a former communications chief for David Cameron, pointed out that successful figures in this space often possess charisma and the ability to engage audiences. “I would say that’s a strike against her,” he remarked.
Despite these challenges, some analysts caution against underestimating Truss’s potential for reinvention within the conservative media landscape. Rob Flaherty, who served in the Biden White House, acknowledged the transformative power of alternative media, suggesting that Truss may find validation in her new role. “The alternative media ecosystem has no shortage of comeback stories,” he noted.
As Liz Truss embarks on this new chapter, her connections to U.S. conservative figures and media outlets could reshape her political narrative and influence the discourse within the UK. The evolution of her show will likely be closely monitored by both supporters and critics, as the dynamics of international conservative movements continue to intersect.
