The News Agents The man the BBC censored for calling Trump corrupt
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Jan 16, 2026 
Rutger Bregman, a Dutch historian and author known for his progressive views, dives into the controversy surrounding his BBC Reith lecture, where a critical remark about Trump was censored. He discusses the moral obligations of media, the 'decadence of elites', and the challenges of meaningful work. Bregman argues for channeling talent into impactful causes, critiques today's political landscape, and suggests ways to reclaim patriotism and liberal values. He posits that Trump's behavior shows echoes of fascism, urging a resurgence of moral ambition in society.
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Reith Lecture Censorship
- Rutger Bregman was invited to give the BBC Reith Lecture and prepared a talk on elite decadence and moral ambition.
- The BBC later removed a single line calling Donald Trump "the most openly corrupt president," citing legal advice and causing public controversy.
Many See Their Jobs As Meaningless
- A Dutch study found about 25% of people call their jobs socially meaningless and journalism sits around 20%.
- Bregman believes good journalism remains a pillar of democracy despite some journalists feeling their work lacks value.
Pivot Talent Toward Big Problems
- Bregman urges talented people to pivot careers toward the world's biggest problems like poverty, disease, and authoritarianism.
- He recommends combining ambition with idealism to maximise societal impact.