Donald Trump's presidency initially inspired right-wing populists globally with his anti-establishment rhetoric. However, as his second term progresses, his aggressive trade policies are causing a backlash, leading some populist leaders to distance themselves from him. The anticipated 'Trump bump' in populist support is shifting into a 'Trump slump,' particularly affecting candidates in countries facing elections. For instance, Pierre Poilievre, leader of Canada's Conservatives, has seen his initial surge falter due to a Trump backlash, indicating that the global populist movement faces increasing challenges amid Trump's controversial approaches.
In some countries, including those facing national elections soon, political leaders who've advocated a homegrown style of MAGA are suddenly scrambling to distance themselves from the U.S. president.
The tariffs have put populist leaders on the back foot, and may ironically very well push them to greater moderation, according to Vivien Schmidt.
The exit of Trudeau, who had long been on thin ice with voters, was clearly a factor, but a Trump backlash is a major cause of the Conservatives' stalled momentum.
Many worried that Trump's electoral victory would create a tidal wave in support of extreme right populist parties across the world while encouraging them to intensify their extremism.
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