The Intelligence from The Economist You spin me right round: Europe’s populists reckon with Trumpism
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Mar 27, 2025 
Sophie Pedder, Paris bureau chief for The Economist, provides insights on how Trump’s second bid influences Europe's hard-right politicians as they grapple with maintaining their identities amid American populism. Catherine Nixey, the Culture correspondent, discusses the surge of Christian-themed television shows and their appeal to audiences, exploring the financial motivations behind this trend. Together, they dissect the evolving political landscape and cultural narratives shaping Europe today.
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Trump's Impact on European Hard-Right
- Europe's hard-right parties initially saw Trump's nationalist populism as a boost.
- However, his actions in office, like undermining NATO and criticizing the EU, created tension.
Meloni's Complex Stance
- Giorgia Meloni, while aligning with Trump on cultural issues, showed discomfort with Europe's response to him.
- She arrived late to a meeting about Ukraine, objecting to the format, highlighting her complex stance.
Meloni's Balancing Act
- Meloni's support for Ukraine initially boosted her credibility with other EU leaders.
- However, aligning with the current US administration on Ukraine has put her at odds with the EU.