As of early 2026, the relationship between Europe’s populist right and Donald Trump has become increasingly strained, with many leaders and parties distancing themselves from his "America First" agenda.

 

Is Europe’s Populist Right Turning on Trump?

As of early 2026, the relationship between Europe’s populist right and Donald Trump has become increasingly strained, with many leaders and parties distancing themselves from his "America First" agenda. While they remain aligned on issues like immigration and anti-establishment sentiment, their own nationalist interests have come into direct conflict with Trump’s recent foreign and economic policies.

 

Key Drivers of the Rift

Greenland and Sovereignty: Trump’s renewed efforts to acquire Greenland from Denmark have drawn sharp criticism across the political spectrum. Even parties that previously celebrated Trump, such as Germany’s AfD and France’s National Rally, have pushed back, viewing the move as an affront to European sovereignty.

Trade and Tariffs: Trump’s threat of 30% tariffs on European exports has forced even his most vocal supporters to choose between their ideological affinity for Trump and their domestic economic interests. European leaders, including Giorgia Meloni and Nigel Farage, find it difficult to defend a leader whose policies directly harm their own voters.

Foreign Policy Aggression: His administration’s military incursions and aggressive posture toward Iran have further alienated European populists who often favor more non-interventionist or "dovish" stances on global conflicts.

 

Who is Still Standing With Him?

Despite the cooling of relations, some key figures remain loyal or are attempting to bridge the gap:

Viktor Orbán (Hungary): Remains one of Trump’s strongest allies in Europe, viewing a Trump-led America as a vital partner against the EU's liberal establishment.

Janez Janša (Slovenia): Continues to support Trump, with some experts suggesting he may seek to align Slovenia with Trump’s "Board of Peace" if he returns to power.

Patriots for Europe: This nationalist group in the European Parliament still feels empowered by Trump’s influence, even as individual national leaders become more cautious.

The current friction underscores a fundamental challenge for the global populist movement: "America First" and "Europe First" are often mutually exclusive in practice.