Liz Truss Launches YouTube Show, Aligns with MAGA Figures

Former British Prime Minister Liz Truss has embarked on a new chapter in her political career, launching her own YouTube show aimed at exposing what she describes as “the evil-doers” undermining democracy in the UK, US, and Europe. Truss, who holds the record for the shortest tenure as UK Prime Minister, is positioning herself within the conservative media landscape, particularly aligning with figures associated with the MAGA movement.

In the inaugural episode of the Liz Truss Show, Truss pledged to reveal the workings of an “international network of leftists” seeking to subvert the will of the people. She expressed hope for a political revival in the UK, stating, “We’re going to look at the Trump revolution and see how this can be achieved in Britain.” This statement marks a clear intention to draw parallels between her vision and the political strategies employed by former President Donald Trump and his supporters.

Before the show’s launch, Truss received enthusiastic backing from John Solomon, a veteran US journalist known for his controversial reporting. His platform, Just the News, is set to host her podcasts, providing a significant boost to her visibility within the conservative media ecosystem. In her first week, Truss garnered approximately 10,000 subscribers and her debut episode attracted 67,000 views, a modest beginning but indicative of interest in her new venture.

Truss’s alignment with Solomon, who has faced criticism for his reporting on topics such as the Biden administration’s dealings in Ukraine, introduces her to a network of conservative media that amplifies MAGA narratives. According to Alex Hinton, a professor at Rutgers University, while Just the News may not be widely recognized outside the MAGA community, it holds significant influence within it, largely due to Solomon’s connections and past appearances on platforms like Steve Bannon’s War Room.

This collaboration raises questions about the implications of Truss’s entry into a media environment that thrives on controversial and often unverified narratives. Solomon’s previous claims, particularly regarding the Biden family and Ukraine, have been scrutinized for their credibility. In 2019, his reporting contributed to Trump’s demand for investigations into the Bidens, a move that ultimately led to impeachment charges against Trump, who was later acquitted by the Senate.

As Truss forges ties with influential figures in the US, her engagement with the MAGA media extends beyond mere collaboration. She has already interviewed Bannon in one of her early podcasts, further solidifying her presence in a conservative media landscape that often perpetuates shared talking points.

The growing influence of online conservative media in the UK has not gone unnoticed. Alan Finlayson, a political theory professor at the University of East Anglia, noted that the digital nature of this media knows no borders and is impacting political discourse in Britain. In recent months, both Truss and Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party, have appeared at significant conservative events, echoing MAGA rhetoric.

Truss’s first episode also included references aimed at attracting an American audience, such as her remark, “We’re now poorer than Mississippi,” suggesting a deliberate strategy to resonate with US viewers. This approach may be an attempt to leverage the existing connections and strategies that have proved effective for conservative figures in the US.

Solomon has long been involved in efforts to create an alternative conservative media network, having played a role in establishing the Informing America Foundation, which funds conservative media initiatives across the US. Although Just the News and the foundation did not respond to requests for comment regarding financial support for Truss’s show, Solomon previously stated that the foundation reaches over 120 million Americans monthly.

Truss’s foray into the MAGA media landscape represents a “media marriage of convenience,” as noted by Hinton. For Truss, this offers a chance to rehabilitate her political image following her brief and tumultuous premiership. Advising her is Joseph Robertson, a political strategist advocating for a conservative agenda reminiscent of the principles promoted by MAGA supporters.

Yet, some analysts caution against underestimating Truss’s potential impact. Rob Flaherty, a deputy campaign manager for Kamala Harris, remarked that observers should take her attempts seriously, especially given the effectiveness of the MAGA media ecosystem in conveying its messages.

As Truss navigates this new terrain, questions remain about her ability to engage audiences effectively. Critics argue that her lack of charisma may hinder her efforts to connect with a political fanbase that thrives on dynamic and engaging personalities. Nevertheless, the alternative media landscape is known for its capacity to support political comebacks, suggesting that Truss’s journey in the MAGA sphere may just be beginning.