Nigel Farage's reaction to allegations of racist and antisemitic comments during his school days has drawn comparisons to the tactics of US President Donald Trump, according to communications experts and political opponents. The Reform UK leader has employed legal threats, denials, and attacks on the media, a strategy described as straight out of Trump's playbook.
Professor Steven Barnett of the University of Westminster noted that Farage's approach mirrors that of Trump's press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, turning defence into attack. Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper accused Farage of importing the worst American populist tricks to evade scrutiny.
Farage's response began with a legal threat from his barrister, warning the Guardian of proceedings seeking an injunction, retraction, and maximum damages. This was followed by categorical denials, though Farage later shifted to saying he would never make such comments with intent, likening some remarks to 'banter in a playground'.
Farage and his deputy Richard Tice have also attacked the integrity of accusers, including filmmaker Peter Ettedgui, who claimed Farage repeatedly said 'Hitler was right' or 'gas them'. Farage suggested a political motive behind the allegations, despite 28 people recalling such comments.
However, Sunder Katwala of British Future noted that Farage's evasive denials are not a full adoption of Trump's approach. Reform UK did not respond to requests for comment on the comparison.
