European right-wing parties distance themselves from Trump amid waning US influence

Across Europe, nationalist parties such as Germany's AfD and France's National Rally are achieving electoral success while consciously steering clear of Donald Trump and his MAGA network. AfD candidates, including Leif-Erik Holm, reported that Trump was not mentioned during their campaigns, and the party has emphasized domestic concerns over U.S. alignment. In France, Marine Le Pen, who leads the polls for next year's election, has also expelled Trump from her messaging after labeling the Iran conflict a strategic error.

Researchers note that Trump’s second-term actions, especially the ongoing war with Iran, have damaged his credibility and prompted European right-wing leaders to distance themselves. The U.S. State Department had previously pledged support for “patriotic European parties,” but recent Pew data show a growing preference for China over the United States among European publics. Additional friction stems from Trump’s positions on tariffs, Greenland, and Ukraine, which clash with even nationalist interests, and his close ties to Hungary’s Viktor Orbán may have contributed to Orbán’s electoral loss.