Comedian Stewart Lee has revealed why he has no interest in performing in the United States right now – and it’s a brutally honest assessment.
😬 Why Stewart Lee Is Steering Clear of the US
In a recent interview with Channel 4’s Ways to Change the World podcast, Lee explained his decision. “I wouldn’t work in the States at the moment,” he said, adding that he’d fear being “locked up” if he performed his politically charged comedy in Trump’s America.
💥 US/UK Trade Deal Sparks Debate
Lee’s comments come as the US and UK recently announced a new trade deal. The agreement saw US President Donald Trump scrap the 25% tariff on UK steel and aluminium. He also slashed the rate on most car exports from 27.5% to 10%.
Trump, clearly impressed by the UK’s size, told reporters in the Oval Office, “It opens up a tremendous market for us… I was surprised to see how big your country is.” He called the deal “very conclusive” and predicted it would grow “of its own volition.”
🥩 Beefing Up Exports
Brooke Rollins, the US agriculture secretary, chimed in, praising the deal for its potential impact on American cattle farmers. “This is going to exponentially increase our beef exports,” she said. “And to be very clear, American beef is the safest, the best quality, and the crown jewel of American agriculture for the world.”
🤔 Is the UK Really Better Off?
BBC’s Chris Mason grilled Labour leader Keir Starmer about whether the UK is better off under the new deal. Starmer fired back: “The question you should be asking is, is it better than where we were yesterday?”
He added, “This deal reduces tariffs on steel and aluminium to zero. It also cuts car export tariffs from 27.5% to 10% – a huge win for companies like Jaguar Land Rover.”
Starmer also noted the deal’s benefits for the pharmaceutical sector, which includes “significantly preferential treatment” for British drug manufacturers.
🎭 Lee’s Take on Free Speech in Trump’s America
Returning to Lee’s comments, Channel 4 shared the clip on social media, quoting the comedian as saying: “I wouldn’t work in the States at the moment.”
He went on to say that he worries about the state of free speech in America, suggesting that his style of comedy could land him in hot water under the current political climate.
Related: Trump plans to change name of ANOTHER body of water – NOT satire
