Your editorial (16 December) rightly calls for collective resistance to Donald Trump’s assault on the BBC. But it is important to name what we are witnessing: “entrumpification” – a political technology that attacks democratic institutions where they are strongest, not weakest.
The BBC made an editorial error. It acknowledged it and apologised. That should have been the end of the matter. Instead came billion-dollar lawsuits, orchestrated outrage and ritual denunciations of “fake news”. Institutions built on accuracy find accuracy weaponised. A single mistake is reframed as proof of systemic dishonesty. This is the trap.
The only viable response is the “both-and” defence: acknowledge error while defending institutional independence with equal vigour. The BBC should state plainly: “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.”
Entrumpification succeeds when institutions stop asking “What is right?” and begin asking “What does he want?” Britain has not reached that point, but it is closer than it was.
The pattern is visible. The question is whether we – the BBC, the government, communities, citizens – resist it together while resistance can still succeed.
Anthony Lawton
Church Langton, Leicestershire
I propose the Guardian sets up a funding campaign for the BBC. Everyone could donate £1 minimum to show our support for democracy, independence and the power of the voice. It would show the BBC is paid for by us, it belongs to us (flaws and all) and is not a business.
Michele Ryan
Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire
I wonder if potential visitors to the US could be barred from entry if they admit to be BBC licence payers.
Mike Pender
Cardiff
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