Sorry for radio silence, been so busy! Aware there’s loads going on so got this out today, hoping further editions won’t be far behind! One interesting thing about today - Trump is both populist and leader but my prompt assumes populists are not in power. Also however you compose this, it doesn’t do much for Keir Starmer despite some objectively impressive diplomacy…
What's Dominating: Trump's "triumphant" UK return while Epstein shadows loom - the arch-populist selling Britain magic beans wrapped in Union Jacks
The Narrative Split: Progressive opportunity: Question who really benefits from tech deals vs Trump's exploitation: "I alone can save Britain from decline with American greatness"
Why Today Matters: Trump perfected modern populism - watching him work helps us understand and counter every imitator
What Actually Happened: Trump announces £31bn tech investment from US companies. UK accepts permanent 25% steel tariffs despite Starmer shooting for zero in May. Tech giants praise UK's "Goldilocks position" while gaining major influence over British AI development.
How It's Being Twisted:
Trump narrative: "I'm bringing tremendous wealth to failing Britain - they need me"
UK populist echo: "Finally someone who gets deals done unlike our useless politicians"
Tech populist spin: "Trump's bringing jobs while Labour brings chaos"
Progressive Pushback Options:
If questioning the deal: "£31bn sounds impressive until you ask: what are we giving up in return? Control of our AI future?"
If focusing on broken promises: "Starmer promised zero steel tariffs in May, now accepts 25% permanent - who's really winning here?"
If highlighting power dynamics: "American tech giants get to shape British AI while British steelworkers get permanent tariffs"
Key Facts:
Steel tariffs locked at 25% permanently vs 50% for other countries
Starmer shot for zero tariffs in May announcement
No specific guarantees on UK job numbers or locations
SEEING THE OTHER POINT OF VIEW
What They're Really Feeling: Hope that someone powerful will finally deliver prosperity
The Legitimate Concern: UK economy is struggling and needs investment
Address It By: Acknowledge need for investment while questioning terms and who benefitsOn Migrant Hotels:
Remember: Trump's populism works by making big promises while picking your pocket. Watch the details, not the show.
The Winner: Steel tariff betrayal
The Angle: Split screen - May: Starmer/Trump handshake "ZERO TARIFFS AGREED!" September: "25% PERMANENT TARIFFS". Caption: "The Art of the Steal"
The Execution:
Interview steelworkers about what 25% permanent tariffs mean
Create "Trump Dictionary" showing what his promises really mean
Show champagne at Windsor vs closed steel plants
Why This Works: Uses concrete broken promise everyone can understand. Shows Trump's "deals" hurt real workers.
Frame It Your Way:
For Tech Deal:
Sovereignty angle: "Who controls British AI - Britain or Silicon Valley?"
Workers angle: "Tech billions for billionaires, tariffs for steelworkers"
Trust angle: "If he breaks promises on steel, what else is he lying about?"
Complexity Made Simple:
Don't say: "Bilateral trade framework negotiations"
Do say: "Trump promised to help, delivered permanent tariffs"
Don't say: "Technology sovereignty implications"
Do say: "American companies controlling British tech future"
Tomorrow's Minefield: Joint press conference at Chequers - Trump will claim victory while Starmer tries to save face. Expect Trump to attack Labour's "weakness"
Viral Prep: Have steelworker outside Chequers: "Trump's 'great deal' = my job gone." Real consequences beat abstract politics.
This newsletter is produced using AI - specifically Claude’s Opus 4.0 Model.
It is designed to offer insight and spark ideas but not everything will align with your values and strategy - take what works for you and leave the rest.
It may contain errors - if you’re going big on something here then do double check it!
We are always trying to improve the content by adding evidence about narratives and messaging that work.
We also believe strongly that tackling populism in a way which also strengthens democracy and social cohesion requires a willingness to listen to and engage with people who see the world very differently to us.
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