Nigel Farage is off to the United States again—his sixth trip since becoming an MP in July—as he tries to strengthen his transatlantic bromance with Donald Trump, the soon-to-be president. But while Farage is hoping to cement his place as a MAGA insider, the reception from Team Trump seems… less than glowing.
Farage Heads to MAGA Gala
The Reform UK leader is set to attend a MAGA gala, where Trump himself will address attendees via video link. However, it seems the dinner organisers have made it clear that not everyone from the UK is welcome.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch and her crew are apparently off the guest list, with organisers dubbing the Tories a “loser party” after their historic election drubbing earlier this year.
Badenoch Meets JD Vance—but It’s Not What You Think
Kemi Badenoch did recently meet with JD Vance, the incoming US vice president. But according to The Independent, this wasn’t exactly a sign of approval.
“JD is curious by nature and will meet with most people who ask nicely enough,” a Trump insider reportedly said. “It shouldn’t be viewed as an endorsement of Badenoch or the UK Conservative Party, who are usually the butt of the joke in conversations.”
Ouch.
Farage: A Fanboy, Not a Friend?
As for Farage, his relationship with Trump seems less chummy than he might like people to believe. While he often paints himself as a key ally of the president-elect, sources in Washington have a different take.
“He’s seen as an eccentric British fanboy,” one DC insider claimed. “They indulge him, but he hasn’t been of much use, and it’s clear he just wants to bask in reflected glory.”
According to the source, Trump is far more interested in Boris Johnson and the royal family than in cultivating any special connection with Farage.
Trump’s Opinion of the UK: Royals Good, Tories Not So Much
Team Trump’s apparent lack of enthusiasm for both Farage and the Tories paints a curious picture of the UK’s political standing in MAGA-world. While Farage continues his attempts to align himself with Trump’s circle, it seems the admiration isn’t exactly mutual—and the Conservative Party, well, they’re just comic relief.
For now, it looks like Farage might need to recalibrate his ambitions. At least he’s got the gala invite.
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