Former British Prime Minister Liz Truss has launched her YouTube show, positioning herself within the influential MAGA movement that is reshaping conservative politics in both the UK and the USA. In the inaugural episode, she declared her intent to expose “the evil-doers” seeking to undermine democracy in Britain, the United States, and Europe. Truss emphasized her connection to the “Trump revolution,” suggesting that lessons from this movement could be adapted for British politics.
As she embarks on this new venture, Truss has garnered support from notable figures in the conservative media landscape. John Solomon, a veteran journalist and founder of the controversial platform Just the News, expressed enthusiasm for her show, calling it “the beginning of a kind of revolution.” His network is set to host Truss’s podcasts, signaling a strategic alliance aimed at amplifying her voice within the conservative ecosystem.
Truss’s initial performance has drawn attention, with approximately 10,000 subscribers and 67,000 views in her first week. Although modest, this early engagement highlights her attempt to tap into an established conservative audience that shares a skepticism towards mainstream media and a belief in the existence of a “deep state.” Truss has attributed her political challenges, particularly the swift end of her premiership, to this alleged deep state interference.
According to Alex Hinton, a professor of anthropology at Rutgers University, Truss’s move into MAGA media connects her with figures like Solomon, who has faced criticism for promoting dubious narratives, particularly concerning Ukraine. Solomon’s reporting played a pivotal role in the political landscape surrounding the Trump administration, including the controversial demands for investigations into President Joe Biden’s family that led to Trump’s impeachment. Despite the backlash, Solomon maintains that he stands by his work.
As Truss attempts to redefine her political identity, she has already engaged with Steve Bannon, a prominent MAGA influencer, during her early podcasts. This connection places her within a broader network of conservative media that frequently share and promote each other’s content. The media ecosystem that Truss is joining has been instrumental in shaping narratives that resonate with right-wing audiences, both in the US and abroad.
Hinton notes that the UK has witnessed a rising influence from online conservative platforms, suggesting that this trend has the potential to significantly impact British politics. “Digital media knows no borders,” he stated, emphasizing the interconnectedness of conservative discourse across nations. Truss’s recent appearances at conservative events, including the Conservative Political Action Conference, further illustrate her alignment with MAGA talking points.
In her first episode, Truss made references that might resonate more with American audiences, such as stating, “We’re now poorer than Mississippi,” and likening the UK’s situation to “Huckleberry Finn without the steamboats.” These comments indicate her desire to bridge the gap between British and American political narratives.
Solomon has been at the forefront of efforts to build a conservative media network, having previously established the Informing America Foundation, which provides funding for conservative media initiatives across the US. This organization has supported various platforms, including Just the News, in an attempt to create an alternative communication infrastructure that bypasses traditional media outlets.
Observers of Truss’s new venture have mixed opinions about her effectiveness in this medium. While some critics argue that her lack of charisma may hinder her appeal, others caution against underestimating her potential to resonate with MAGA supporters. Rob Flaherty, a former Biden campaign manager, noted that the alternative media ecosystem has produced numerous “comeback stories” and that Truss could find validation in this environment.
The trajectory of Truss’s show remains uncertain, as she navigates the complex landscape of conservative politics and media. With her ties to Solomon and the MAGA movement, she aims to refurbish her public image while contributing to a growing conservative narrative in the UK. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the implications of her efforts may extend beyond her personal ambitions, influencing the broader political discourse in both the UK and the US.
