Trump can get away with saying what he likes about the BBC. But Epstein? That’s his one vulnerability | Jonathan Freedland
In a striking analysis, the recent article delves into the implications of Donald Trump’s confrontational stance towards the BBC, a cornerstone of British media. The author argues that Trump’s approach exemplifies a broader pattern of asymmetric warfare, where he operates outside conventional norms of truth and accountability, thereby gaining an upper hand against his opponents. This dynamic has proven detrimental to Democrats over the past decade and is now impacting a vital institution in the UK. The article highlights how Trump’s disregard for factual accuracy has been well-documented, with sources like the Washington Post reporting over 30,000 false or misleading statements during his presidency. This relentless pattern of misinformation raises questions about the integrity of public discourse and the challenges faced by media organizations like the BBC in holding powerful figures accountable.
The piece also underscores the precarious position of the BBC as it navigates the turbulent waters of political scrutiny and public trust. Trump’s recent attacks on the broadcaster not only reflect his disdain for media that challenge him but also reveal a troubling trend where the standards of truth are increasingly being flouted by those in power. The article suggests that Trump’s base, particularly his MAGA supporters, may remain unfazed by his controversial associations, including ties to disgraced figures, further complicating the media’s role in fostering an informed electorate. As the political landscape evolves, the implications of this asymmetry are profound, raising critical questions about the future of journalism and democratic accountability in both the US and the UK. The discussion culminates in an invitation for readers to engage with thought leaders on the trajectory of Trumpism and its potential parallels in Britain, emphasizing the need for vigilance in upholding the principles of truth and integrity in public life.
In attacking a vital broadcaster, the US president is once again holding others to standards he flouts. But the Maga faithful might not let his links to the disgraced financier go
To confront Donald Trump is to engage in asymmetric warfare. It is to enter a battlefield that is not level, where he enjoys an immediate and in-built advantage over those who would oppose him or merely hold him to account. That fact has cost Democrats dearly over the past decade – exacting a toll again this very week – but it has now upended an institution central to Britain’s national life: namely, the BBC.
The key asymmetry can be spelled out simply. Trump pays little or no regard to the conventional bounds of truth or honesty. His documented tally of false or misleading statements runs into the tens of thousands: the Washington Post
registered 30,573
such statements during Trump’s first term in the White House, an average of 21 a day. In a single interview with CBS’s 60 Minutes earlier this month, Trump
spoke falsely 18 times
, according to CNN.
Jonathan Freedland is a Guardian columnist
Guardian newsroom: Year One of Trumpism: Is Britain Emulating the US?
On Wednesday 21 January 2026, join Jonathan Freedland, Tania Branigan and Nick Lowles as they reflect on the first year of Donald Trump’s second presidency – and to ask if Britain could be set on the same path.
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