Former British Prime Minister Liz Truss has launched a new YouTube show, positioning herself within the controversial MAGA movement. In her inaugural episode, she vowed to expose “the evil-doers” undermining democracy in Britain, the United States, and Europe, indicating her intent to align with right-wing sentiments across the Atlantic.
Truss, who holds the record as the UK’s shortest-serving prime minister, expressed optimism about the potential for a “Trump revolution” in Britain during her debut. She noted that the show would feature prominent figures from the MAGA movement, aiming to draw parallels between American and British political narratives.
John Solomon, a veteran journalist with a controversial reputation, is a significant supporter of Truss’s venture. His platform, Just the News, will host her podcasts. Solomon characterized the launch as “the beginning of a kind of revolution,” highlighting the ambitions behind Truss’s new media endeavor. In its first week, the show garnered around 10,000 subscribers and received 67,000 views, a modest but notable start for a political program.
Truss’s alliance with Solomon thrusts her into a well-established conservative media landscape known for disseminating MAGA talking points. This includes themes of alleged media censorship and the existence of a “deep state,” which Truss attributes to the abrupt end of her premiership.
“Just the News may not be widely recognized outside of the MAGA sphere, but it holds significant influence within it, largely due to Solomon’s connections,” said Alex Hinton, a professor at Rutgers University who closely studies the MAGA movement. Solomon’s past has drawn scrutiny, particularly regarding his promotion of dubious claims about former President Joe Biden and his administration’s dealings in Ukraine.
In 2019, Solomon’s reporting led to Trump’s impeachment inquiry, where he faced criticism for relying on unreliable sources. The Hill, where Solomon previously worked, conducted an internal review of his articles regarding Ukraine and found substantial flaws in his reporting.
Despite his controversial background, Solomon has continued to gain traction in conservative media circles. His involvement in Truss’s project signals a notable shift in her political strategy, as she seeks to connect with a broader audience and establish her presence in a network that has historically amplified right-wing narratives.
Truss has already featured Steve Bannon in one of her early podcasts, further embedding herself within this influential conservative ecosystem. As she joins forces with Solomon, Truss becomes a part of a larger media network that often shares and promotes similar content. This network has included figures like Mike Benz, who is known for his conspiratorial views on government programs and media representation.
Observers in the United States have mixed views on Truss’s efforts. Rob Flaherty, a deputy campaign manager for Kamala Harris, expressed that while Truss’s attempts may attract ridicule in Britain, her alignment with the MAGA media could still offer her a platform for influence. “The conditions in the UK are similar to those that allowed alternative media to thrive in the US,” he noted.
The emergence of digital media has allowed right-wing sentiments to gain traction beyond national borders. Alan Finlayson, a professor at the University of East Anglia, emphasized that the online conservative ecosystem is already shaping political discourse in the UK. “Digital media knows no borders,” he remarked, highlighting the interconnected nature of these narratives.
Truss’s attempts to appeal to an American audience were evident in her inaugural episode. She made references that may resonate more with viewers across the Atlantic, such as stating, “We’re now poorer than Mississippi,” and likening Britain’s situation to “Huckleberry Finn without the steamboats.”
The financial backing for Truss’s show remains somewhat opaque. Solomon has been involved in efforts to establish a conservative media network for years, including his role in the Informing America Foundation, which provides funding to various conservative media outlets across the US.
While Truss aims to refurbish her image through this venture, some analysts question her effectiveness in the medium. Craig Oliver, a former communications chief for David Cameron, remarked on Truss’s lack of charisma, suggesting that her approach may hinder her success.
Despite the challenges, Flaherty cautioned against underestimating Truss’s potential within the MAGA universe. He noted that the alternative media landscape allows for reinventions and comebacks, indicating that Truss could still find a place among her new political allies.
As Truss navigates this new chapter in her political career, her ability to resonate with audiences both in the UK and the US will likely shape her future role within the conservative movement.
