In a plot twist worthy of a British sitcom, some of Britain’s top Tories are warming up to the idea of Donald Trump shimmying back into the White House. It’s like a reunion episode where the guest star is none other than the former U.S. President himself, and not everyone’s sure how to feel about it.
Imagine a scene where British Conservatives, sans MAGA hats, are cautiously waltzing around the idea of endorsing Trump as he gears up for another presidential bid. It’s a bit like watching your uncle awkwardly befriending your rebellious cousin at a family gathering. The U.K. government, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, is playing it cool, trying not to step on the toes of either Joe Biden or Trump.
In British conservative circles, Trump 2.0 has become the talk of the town. Paul Goodman, editor of the Tory grassroots bible ConservativeHome, cheekily summed up the situation: “Might there be more to the coming contest than a choice between a bullshitter and a corpse?” His column sent Westminster into a tizzy, painting Trump as an “egomaniacal narcissist” but also as a “pro-Britain” figure, drawing contrasts with Biden.
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, once dubbed “Britain Trump” by the ex-U.S. President, is also playing his part in this political drama. He’s been quoted saying a Trump presidency could be a “big win for the world,” despite causing the “global wokerati” to shake in their stylish boots. Johnson, known for his hard push to support Ukraine, even slipped in some flattery for Trump, praising his past support for Ukraine.
Liz Truss, Johnson’s brief successor, seems to be on the Trump train too, expressing hope for a Republican win in 2024, candidate notwithstanding. It’s like watching a game of political matchmaker, and the feeling is mutual between Trump and Truss.
But it’s not all subtle nods and careful endorsements. Jacob Rees-Mogg, the darling of the Conservative right, told the BBC he’d prefer Trump over Biden. And Jake Berry, a prominent Tory MP, enthusiastically declared “Bring him back!” upon seeing a picture of Trump on TV. It’s like a scene from a political fan club meeting.
However, not all Tories are singing from the same hymn sheet. Some MPs, wary of becoming targets, are keeping their admiration for Trump under wraps. It’s a bit like having a guilty pleasure song but not wanting to play it at a party.
The party itself is facing its own identity crisis, trying to avoid a defeat by the Labour Party in the upcoming election. Not everyone thinks embracing Trump is the winning ticket. Former Conservative cabinet minister David Gauke sees Trump’s lack of respect for the rule of law as a red flag. Alicia Kearns, another key Tory figure, expressed disbelief at the idea of supporting someone with Trump’s controversial track record.
Meanwhile, Nigel Farage and his Reform Party are hovering in the background, trying to woo disillusioned Tory voters with his close ties to Trump. It’s like watching a political love triangle unfold.
Even center-right Tory Chancellor Jeremy Hunt threw in some coded criticism last week, warning against U.S. protectionism under a potential Trump comeback. As Trump looks set to cruise to the Republican nomination, the number of pro-Trump Tories might just swell.
So, there you have it: a mix of cautious endorsements, outright admiration, and a few raised eyebrows. It’s like watching a political soap opera where some characters can’t resist the allure of a controversial figure, while others are desperately flipping through the script, wondering how this will all play out.
In the end, the Tories’ dance with the idea of Trump 2.0 is like a political ballet, full of unexpected moves and surprising twists. Whether this dance leads to a harmonious finale or a dramatic exit stage left remains to be seen. Stay tuned for the next episode in this intriguing political saga!
