Many believed Donald Trump’s first term would mark the end of his political journey, a detour in history’s progression. Yet, Trump’s resurgence demonstrates the potency of right-wing populism in reshaping America’s future.
His vision for a second term seeks not just a return to power but a fundamental restructuring of the American government, echoing the autocratic strategies of Hungary’s Viktor Orbán. Drawing from Orbán’s playbook, Trump’s ambition is clear: consolidate authority through systemic reforms while galvanizing popular support with strategic narratives.
Populism’s Global Playbook: Lessons from Hungary
The United States is not the first democracy to grapple with the rise of autocratic populism. Like Orbán, Trump’s ascent reflects the internal vulnerabilities of democratic systems, which populist leaders exploit to establish electoral autocracies. Orbán’s success serves as a cautionary tale, with his strategies offering a blueprint for dismantling institutional checks and balances while retaining democratic façades.
Orbán’s approach comprises two critical elements: hardware (institutional manipulation) and software (narratives and rhetoric that rally public support). For Trump to fully implement his vision, he must first ensure the widespread adoption of the software—populist narratives—before moving to solidify the hardware—systemic institutional control.
The Software of Populism: Winning Hearts and Minds
Trump’s populist rhetoric resonates with various voter bases through carefully crafted narratives. Understanding these themes is crucial for countering their influence.
The Folksy Outsider
Trump’s appeal as an anti-establishment outsider is central to his identity. By engaging in symbolic acts like eating fast food or portraying himself as a champion of the common man, Trump cultivates a relatable persona that contrasts with the perceived elitism of liberal leaders.
Anti-Elitism
Orbán demonstrated how attacking institutions like universities can shift public sentiment. Trump’s allies, such as J.D. Vance, have followed suit, portraying academia as a bastion of liberal dominance. This narrative feeds the cultural war rhetoric, framing conservative movements as defenders of traditional values against an out-of-touch elite.
Anti-Immigrant Sentiment
Immigration remains a rallying cry for far-right populists. Trump’s proposed deportation policies and anti-immigrant rhetoric mirror Orbán’s hostility toward migration, which he framed as a threat to national identity and security. These messages play on fears of cultural dilution and economic instability, mobilizing voters with deep-seated anxieties.
Economic Nationalism
Economic grievances fuel populist movements. Trump’s trade wars and tariffs echo Orbán’s opposition to globalization, appealing to working-class voters who feel left behind by liberal economic policies. By glorifying “makers” and vilifying “takers,” Trump unites billionaires and laborers under a shared narrative of hard work and self-reliance.
The Hardware of Populism: Reshaping Governance
Once populist narratives take root, leaders like Trump and Orbán turn their attention to restructuring institutions to secure long-term power.
Strengthening Executive Authority
Trump’s allies have openly advocated for reforms that would consolidate executive power, drawing inspiration from Orbán’s centralized governance. Proposals like Project 2025 aim to reshape federal agencies, eliminating officials perceived as disloyal while strengthening presidential authority over key institutions.
Judiciary Control
A critical pillar of autocratic governance is dominating the judiciary. Trump has already influenced the Supreme Court’s conservative majority. In a second term, his focus would likely shift to further reshaping lower courts and limiting judicial independence, ensuring rulings align with his administration’s agenda.
Manipulating Electoral Processes
Orbán’s gerrymandering tactics have inspired similar moves within the U.S. Manipulating voting districts and implementing restrictive election laws can tilt the scales in favor of populist leaders. Republican-led efforts in states like Georgia highlight the potential for these strategies to undermine democratic fairness.
Media Domination
Orbán’s consolidation of media outlets demonstrates the power of controlling public narratives. Trump’s alliances with media moguls and his use of social platforms like X (formerly Twitter) reflect similar ambitions. By fostering a media environment favorable to his policies, Trump could amplify his message while stifling dissenting voices.
Securing Party Loyalty
Populist leaders often restructure their parties to ensure unwavering loyalty. Trump’s replacement of establishment Republicans with loyalists mirrors Orbán’s strategy of sidelining moderate leaders. This internal consolidation ensures alignment across all levels of governance, reducing internal resistance to autocratic reforms.
Countering the Populist Surge: Strategies for Resilience
While the challenges posed by populist leaders are significant, history offers valuable lessons for resisting their influence.
Strengthening the Courts
Courts serve as the first line of defense against constitutional violations. However, legal battles alone are insufficient. Autocratic leaders often operate within legal frameworks, using loopholes to advance their agendas. Political mobilization must accompany legal resistance.
Revitalizing the Media
Media independence is crucial for countering populist narratives. Progressive voices must expand their reach beyond metropolitan areas, creating platforms that resonate with rural and working-class audiences. Leveraging social media effectively is also vital in reclaiming the narrative battle.
Rebuilding Local Power
Democratic resilience depends on grassroots organization. By focusing on local governance, labor unions, and community engagement, opponents of populism can build a robust social base capable of challenging autocratic leaders.
The Democratic Party’s Role: A Call for Transformation
For the Democratic Party to effectively counter Trump’s populism, it must reconnect with working-class voters and address their economic concerns. This requires embracing left-populist economic policies, championing labor rights, and promoting symbolic class politics that resonate with everyday Americans.
Focus on Economic Justice
Policies addressing wage stagnation, healthcare costs, and economic inequality can bridge the gap between low- and high-income voters. Reclaiming populist economic messages ensures Democrats remain relevant in the eyes of disillusioned voters.
Engage with Symbolism
Democrats must shed perceptions of elitism by embracing cultural symbols that reflect working-class experiences. A down-to-earth approach can humanize the party’s policies, fostering trust among skeptical voters.
Conclusion: The Fight for Democracy’s Future
The rise of right-wing populism in the U.S., inspired by leaders like Viktor Orbán, highlights the fragility of democratic systems. However, the resilience of American institutions offers hope. By countering populist narratives, strengthening local governance, and reconnecting with the working class, opponents of autocracy can safeguard democracy. The lesson is clear: preserving democratic values requires a government that works for the people, not just in rhetoric but in tangible outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is right-wing populism?
Right-wing populism is a political ideology that combines nationalism, anti-elitism, and cultural conservatism to rally support. Leaders often exploit economic and cultural grievances to consolidate power.
2. How does Viktor Orbán influence global populism?
Orbán’s governance in Hungary serves as a model for other populist leaders, showcasing how to weaken democratic institutions while maintaining public support.
3. Why is economic nationalism central to populism?
Economic nationalism appeals to working-class voters by emphasizing self-reliance, job protection, and opposition to globalization. It creates a sense of shared purpose among diverse economic groups.
4. How can media independence counter populism?
Independent media challenges populist narratives by exposing corruption and providing diverse perspectives. Expanding media reach to underserved areas is crucial for countering propaganda.
5. What role does grassroots organization play in resisting populism?
Grassroots efforts build local resilience against autocratic policies, fostering community engagement and ensuring that democratic principles remain embedded in everyday governance.