GB News Delegation Meets Trump Amid Growing Ties to U.S. Right
Until recently, it would have seemed unlikely for executives from a relatively small foreign broadcaster to secure a meeting at the White House, much less an audience with the U.S. president.
Yet when a delegation from GB News—led by Nigel Farage—visited Washington D.C. last month to meet Donald Trump’s team, it underscored the level of access granted through the Reform UK leader’s connections with Trump’s movement.
Sir Paul Marshall, the investor backing the channel, was part of the group. Farage and GB News presenter Bev Turner also met the former president in the Oval Office. The visit aimed to secure Trump’s endorsement for GB News’ U.S. expansion, including its new nightly program, The Late Show Live.
Support from Trump’s circle was evident at the program’s launch event, where Karoline Leavitt, his press secretary, spoke. She stated that GB News aligned with “values this administration supports: free speech, biological reality in gender, and secure borders—we reject illegal immigration.”
Leavitt confirmed that GB News had been granted White House press credentials, with Turner and co-host Ben Leo receiving briefing room access. She framed this as part of Trump’s broader preference for newer media over established outlets he considers ideologically opposed.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick also attended, encouraging GB News to “shape the narrative” in the UK. Farage told attendees the channel’s reporting would alter perceptions of Trump in Britain and Europe.
Alan McCormick, GB News’ chairman, argued that Britain suffers from a “cultural decline,” blaming establishment media for suppressing dissenting views. “GB News was created to counter this,” he said.
For Trump, supporting GB News extends beyond loyalty to Farage—it’s an opportunity to amplify sympathetic voices abroad. For the channel, ties to Trump’s network may raise its profile.
However, some worry its U.S. venture provides another conduit for right-wing ideas to influence British audiences. At a recent protest led by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, some attendees wore “Make England Great Again” merchandise, echoing Trump-era slogans.
“GB News won’t shift U.S. politics, but it could affect Britain’s political culture,” said Sunder Katwala of think tank British Future. “This level of access boosts its standing. From the U.S. side, there’s clear interest in fostering Trump-aligned media abroad.”
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