Trump's 2024 Victory and the Rise of Populism Challenge EU Liberal Values
The National Security Strategy under Donald Trump is described as declaring a civilisational war on the European Union and its liberal values. Populist movements, often undermining the rule of law, human rights protections, and the independence of the judiciary and journalism, are amplified by social media platforms and have, according to analysis, received an implicit mandate from the Trump administration.
The resulting political environment is fueled by what Joseph Stiglitz terms an 'inequality emergency,' driving public disillusionment with democracy and increasing support for illiberalism. EU enforcement actions have targeted major technology companies, with seven preliminary findings against Apple, Meta, Google, and TikTok, as well as a €120 million fine imposed on X for blue-tick verification practices lacking proper verification. However, regulatory challenges persist, exemplified by Ireland appointing a former Meta lobbyist as one of its top three data protection regulators.
Meanwhile, populist parties have seen significant gains across Europe. Spain's Vox party support surged to approximately 20% in 2025, up from 12.4% in the 2023 general election. Populist tactics now extensively utilize social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, with examples including Hungary's Fidesz and Romania's AUR, while established politicians like Emmanuel Macron and Rob Jetten have adopted grassroots strategies.
Proposed responses emphasize accelerating EU digital-law enforcement and adopting more aggressive, grassroots political strategies to defend liberal democracy. Despite revelations of Russian support for movements such as Marine Le Pen's and Kremlin links within the UK Reform party, these disclosures have not significantly diminished their support.
Trump's 2024 presidential victory is characterized by appealing to voters on issues like the cost of living, immigration, and traditional values, rather than warnings of economic harm, reflecting the complex challenges facing liberal democracy in both the United States and Europe.
