Trump's once-celebrated populist brand now appears shattered
The column argues that Donald Trump has abandoned the anti-establishment image that once attracted his base, citing rising public cynicism and his personal enrichment during his second term.
The piece maintains that Donald Trump, once hailed as the ultimate populist, has systematically destroyed that reputation through self-dealing and lavish use of the White House. Early supporters praised his refusal to take a salary and his anti-corruption rhetoric, but recent comments from former voters highlight a perception that he now exploits the office for personal gain. Gallup polling indicates that 89 percent of Americans now view government corruption as pervasive, a rise of 16 points in two years.
The author links this growing distrust to Trump’s second-term actions, including extravagant renovations and policies that have hurt his base, such as higher prices and a costly war stance. The analysis predicts a likely setback for Republican candidates in the next election cycle and warns of broader damage to democratic norms. Ultimately, the columnist declares the myth of the billionaire populist dead.
