From UK Political Failure to MAGA Darling: Liz Truss's American Ambitions
If at first you don't succeed as Prime Minister of Great Britain, why not try—and try again—to become a figurehead for MAGA enthusiasts instead? That appears to be the strategy of former UK leader Liz Truss, whose recent appearance with Donald Trump in Florida has ignited a storm of commentary and criticism.
A New Acronym for Political Reinvention
In the 1990s, British expatriates in Hong Kong coined the acronym FILTH, standing for "Failed in London? Try Hong Kong." It was a tongue-in-cheek reference to entitled young professionals who believed they deserved banking careers in the Far East despite lacking the necessary skills. Now, a new photo of Liz Truss and Donald Trump with their arms wrapped around each other at Mar-a-Lago evokes a similar sentiment, prompting suggestions for updated acronyms like FILTA (Failed in London, Try America) or BEDLAM (British Economy Deadened? Let's Arsekiss MAGA!).
The imagery is striking: Truss, dressed in Republican red to match Trump's outfit, stands in stark contrast to her Downing Street days when she wore endless blue suits to emulate her then-hero, Margaret Thatcher. This sartorial shift underscores her political transformation, raising questions about whether mimicry has become her default mode. If Nigel Farage were to gain power in the UK, would Truss adopt a tweed suit and flat cap next?
Truss's Defiant Stance and Political Blame-Shifting
In September 2025, Truss declared she was "obsessed with making Britain a great nation again," harking back to a pre-her tenure era when mortgages were more accessible. When queried about a potential return as an MP, she responded, "I never rule anything out. Why would I do that?"—seemingly overlooking the minor detail that public votes are required for such a comeback.
Her ability to deflect blame remains intact, as evidenced by a 4,000-word essay in which she attributed the failure of her mini-budget to the "left-wing economic establishment," despite the Tories being in power at the time. This creative reinterpretation of events suggests a healthy imagination, if not a firm grasp on economic realities. She has also stated, "I don't want to be prime minister again," a concession that, while magnanimous, does little to erase her legacy of economic turmoil.
Embracing Trump and the Irony of Equal Opportunities
For now, Truss's focus is squarely on Donald Trump, whom she describes as "right about everything." Their photo-op at Mar-a-Lago resembles a pair of competition winners mugging for the camera, a fitting analogy given that "blankety-blank" could describe the state of the British economy after her and Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng's brief tenure.
Truss appears undeterred by her lack of qualifications, a trait that aligns perfectly with Trump's administration, where incompetence is no barrier to reward. Ironically, Trump opposes equal opportunities employment policies, yet in the US, Truss's handicap—having been such a poor prime minister that she was outlived by a lettuce—is seen as no obstacle to advancement. This highlights a curious double standard: in the UK, her failure is a liability, but in America, it might just be her ticket to relevance.
As Truss continues her political reinvention across the Atlantic, the FILTH vibe grows stronger, reminding us that for some, failure in one arena can simply mean a fresh start in another—no matter how shameless the approach.
