Trump Losses May Not Slow Europe’s Far-Right Advance

The Republican Party’s midterm rout has energized European opponents of right-wing populism, who see it as a possible setback for political movements backed by President Donald Trump. But the result does not guarantee a similar reversal in Europe: far-right parties remain strong in countries including France, where Marine Le Pen leads polls, and Spain, where the campaign is taking shape ahead of a November election. Spain’s acting Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has urged voters to deliver a broad victory against the far right, while analysts say defeats for populists elsewhere could either weaken their momentum or leave anti-establishment challengers positioned to benefit from anger at incumbents. The outcome may also affect transatlantic ties and calculations on security, though Trump retains substantial foreign-policy powers and Europe remains reliant on NATO.