European Nationalists Distance Themselves From Trump as Support Becomes Political Risk

Nationalist right-wing leaders across Europe are increasingly distancing themselves from former U.S. President Donald Trump, as his popularity wanes in the European Union. What was once a perceived political asset is now becoming a liability ahead of crucial elections in Italy, France, and Poland scheduled for 2027.

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friendship with the American leader has not helped at all

For years, European populist leaders saw Trump's endorsement as validation that their messages resonated beyond national borders. However, as elections loom, many are questioning whether aligning with Trump still offers electoral benefits. Trump's image in Europe has suffered due to trade disputes, his remarks on Greenland, and U.S. involvement in the Iran conflict, which contributed to rising energy prices.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, previously a close Trump ally, publicly reacted after Trump claimed she insisted on a photo at the G7 summit. Meloni stated that her friendship with Trump "has not helped at all" to improve her political image and suggested he focus on his own electorate. This sentiment is echoed in France, where Jordan Bardella, leader of the far-right National Rally, has described Trump's behavior as "unpredictable" and rejected his political support.

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unpredictable

Jean-Yves Dormagen, president of polling institute Cluster17, described the association with Trump as a "poisoned gift" for European nationalist leaders. While right-wing voters generally view Trump more favorably than the general population, a growing number perceive him as an electoral risk. A Cluster17 poll across seven EU member states indicated this shift in perception.

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a poisoned gift