The BBC is being urged to mount a robust collective defence against a political strategy dubbed 'entrumpification', following an editorial error that sparked disproportionate outrage and legal threats. The term describes a tactic of attacking democratic institutions at their points of strength, such as their commitment to accuracy, rather than their weaknesses.
The Trap of Weaponised Accuracy
In a recent editorial published on 16 December, the Guardian highlighted the need to resist Donald Trump's assault on the BBC. However, commentators like Anthony Lawton from Church Langton, Leicestershire, argue the phenomenon has a precise name. The sequence is familiar: the BBC makes a mistake, acknowledges it, and apologises. Yet, instead of closure, this is met with billion-dollar lawsuits and orchestrated fury.
The core trap, as Lawton outlines, is the reframing of a single mistake as proof of systemic dishonesty. Institutions built on rigorous fact-checking suddenly find their own standards of accuracy turned against them in bad-faith arguments. This creates a perilous environment where any minor error is inflated to justify broader attacks on an organisation's credibility and independence.
The 'Both-And' Defence for Institutional Independence
The proposed solution is a 'both-and' defence. This means the BBC must acknowledge its specific error with transparency while simultaneously defending its institutional independence with equal vigour. Lawton suggests a clear public statement: "This technical mistake does not invalidate the programme’s central thesis, which rested on evidence-based findings. We will continue investigating without fear or favour."
The danger, he warns, is when institutions stop asking 'What is right?' and begin asking 'What does he want?'. While Britain has not reached that point, the pressure is intensifying. The pattern is now visible, raising the critical question of whether the BBC, the government, and the public will resist it together while effective resistance is still possible.
Public Support and Solidarity
The call for resistance has sparked public suggestions for demonstrating solidarity. Michele Ryan from Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, proposed that the Guardian set up a funding campaign for the BBC, with a minimum £1 donation from supporters. This symbolic act would reinforce that the broadcaster is paid for by and belongs to the public, 'flaws and all', and is not merely a business.
In a more sardonic contribution, Mike Pender from Cardiff wondered aloud whether admitting to being a BBC licence payer might become grounds for being barred from entering the United States, highlighting the absurd potential extremes of the current climate.
The collective message from readers and commentators is clear: the response to entrumpification must be unwavering commitment to editorial principles and public service, even in the face of amplified and politically motivated backlash.
