Former U.K. Prime Minister Liz Truss was targeted by a lettuce-related stunt while hosting a pro-Donald Trump speaking event in Suffolk, England. A banner depicting a lettuce with the words “I crashed the economy” unfurled behind her as she was speaking. Truss, in a green dress coincidentally matching the lettuce, seemed oblivious to the stunt until someone pointed it out to her. She appeared unamused and abruptly left the stage, while the audience offered hesitant applause. The stunt was orchestrated by activist group Led By Donkeys, known for similar pranks targeting politicians.
A one-minute video of the lettuce stunt quickly went viral, garnering 2.3 million views in less than 12 hours. This was not the first time Led By Donkeys had pulled off such a prank, having previously targeted Reform UK’s Nigel Farage with a banner of Russian President Vladimir Putin and the words “I ❤️ Nigel” during his campaign trail. Truss’s reaction to the stunt, given her advocacy for free speech just hours earlier, sparked some ironic backlash. Truss had recently expressed support for free speech and criticized attacks on it in Britain and Europe. This came in the context of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s vow to hold social media companies accountable for not addressing disinformation effectively.
Truss’s recent attempts to establish a presence in the U.S. and her avid support for Trump have drawn attention, especially in light of her failed re-election bid following her involvement in an unfunded mini-Budget that allegedly contributed to a crash in the economy. Despite her efforts to shift blame onto the Bank of England for the economic downturn that followed her policies, Truss has faced criticism and mockery for her actions. The lettuce stunt, orchestrated by Led By Donkeys, was a playful yet pointed jab at Truss’s controversial political career and her alliance with Trump.
The lettuce stunt targeting Liz Truss during her pro-Trump speaking engagement added a twist to an already contentious political environment. Truss’s reaction to the prank, storming off stage and deeming it unfunny, contrasted with her previous advocacy for free speech. The irony of the situation, especially considering recent debates around free speech and accountability for social media platforms, did not go unnoticed. Led By Donkeys, known for their bold political actions, effectively highlighted Truss’s vulnerabilities through their unconventional prank.
The incident involving Liz Truss and the lettuce stunt showcased the power of activism in holding politicians accountable and creating awareness through unconventional means. Led By Donkeys, with their history of targeting prominent figures with eye-catching stunts, successfully drew attention to Truss’s political track record and alliances. The video of the lettuce prank going viral underscored the impact of such actions in shaping public perception and sparking conversations around critical issues. Truss’s reaction, juxtaposed with her stance on free speech, served as a reminder of the complexities and contradictions present in political discourse.
Overall, the lettuce-related prank targeting Liz Truss at a pro-Trump event epitomized the intersection of politics, activism, and satire. The stunt, orchestrated by Led By Donkeys, resonated with audiences, sparking discussions on social media and beyond. Truss’s unexpected encounter with the lettuce banner and her subsequent reaction reflected the unpredictable nature of public engagements and the role of humor in political critique. The event served as a microcosm of broader themes such as free speech, accountability, and the power dynamics within political landscapes. As such, it highlighted the diverse and multifaceted ways in which activists and citizens alike engage with political figures and issues in contemporary society.
