How Trump became political kryptonite
The president’s ‘populist war’ in Iran is dooming his allies and leaders who sought his favour
Donald Trump was re-elected in 2024 during a period of great anger about inflation, affordability and immigration. He won as an “anti-woke”, anti-immigrant leader who would cut prices and close the border on day one. His victory sent shockwaves that bolstered far-right populists worldwide.
Many of those parties openly embraced Trump and his Maga movement, including Alternative for Germany (AfD), Nigel Farage’s Reform UK and Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy. At first their backing of Trump helped broaden their support. But now the US war in Iran is dooming them — along with leaders like Prime Minister Keir Starmer who sought close ties with the US president.
Initially, Trump put nation first and took a tough line with the UN, EU and Nato. He stopped immigration at the border and began aggressive deportations. He bragged about a lawless Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and America experienced unprecedented levels of outmigration.
The full article can be read at The Financial Times.