Trump's Poodle: Why Farage's US Bromance Is Backfiring

Farage built his brand on his Trump bromance. Now 80% of Britons view Trump unfavourably and 64% see America negatively. The relationship that once helped him is becoming his biggest liability.

Why being branded Trump's poodle is Farage's Achilles heel

Nigel Farage, you have a problem – especially one 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 16 stone – that goes by the name Donald Trump.

You almost certainly won't hear Farage bragging about his "great relationship" with Trump any time soon such is the antagonism felt by the British public towards the supposed peace-loving President's reckless war against Iran.

Farage, ever the political shyster, moved quickly to condemn Keir Starmer's initial response to the war as "frankly pathetic" and "dithering" saying the UK should "do all we can to support the operation" – and that the "gloves need to come off".

The Reform leader argued the UK was part of the conflict "whether we like it or not" – until, that is, polling showed only 17% believe we should be involved in the conflict, with Reform voters fearing considerable negative consequences on their household finances and our economy.

So, with a big thumbs down to his impetuous response Farage backtracked saying: "There are differing opinions as to whether we should physically join the attacks. I, as leader, am saying to you, if we can't even defend Cyprus, let's not get ourselves involved in another foreign war".

Whilst in the past Farage has traded off his close friendship with Trump only 46% of Britons now see the US as a friend and ally – and 64% now have a negative view of America – and that was before Trump under pressure from Israel went to war.

A recent YouGov poll revealed eight-in-ten Britons have an unfavourable view of Trump with a mere 16% thinking positively about the 79-year-old.

So, even though Trump super fan Farage describes him as a "role model for government" who is "restoring faith in the democratic system", the great British public very much begs to differ.

More in Common thinktank chief Luke Tryl said: "With Brits already saying that Nigel Farage's relationship with Trump is the biggest barrier to voting Reform, particularly women, and over half of the country describing Farage as Britain's Trump, there is a very real risk that the Reform leader's association with the U.S. president means that a Farage premiership is seen as a risk too far."