Trump Abandoned by Allies as Election Looms

Across the globe, right-wing populist leaders who previously aligned themselves with Donald Trump’s “America First” brand are now actively attempting to create distance between themselves and the former U.S. president. This shift is particularly noticeable in nations preparing for upcoming national elections, where previously enthusiastic endorsements or mirroring of Trump’s rhetoric are being quietly dropped or publicly downplayed. The reasons are multifaceted, likely stemming from Trump’s legal challenges and increasingly controversial public statements following his departure from office. What was once perceived as a politically advantageous association – tapping into a similar base of nationalist sentiment – is now viewed by many as a potential liability. The distancing suggests a growing recognition that the Trump brand, once a symbol of disruptive populism, may no longer resonate positively with voters outside the United States, and could even hinder electoral prospects. This represents a significant recalibration for a movement that, for years, openly embraced Trump as a kindred spirit and a model for their own political strategies.