# Good Populism Rises in U.S.

> U.S. Democrats win historic midterms as 'good populism' shifts Europe's right.
- Title: Good Populism Rises in U.S. · The New Yorker | Shortify
- Summary: U.S. Democrats win historic midterms as 'good populism' shifts Europe's right. U.S.
- Keywords: u.s. midterms, democrats, spain snap election, vox party, afd party, maga, economic populism, left-wing populism, right-wing populism, refugee policy, migrant policy, political scientists
- Source: The New Yorker — https://newyorker.com/news/global-notes/a-good-populism-rises-in-the-united-states
- Author: Ishaan Tharoor
- Published: 2026-11-11T11:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: u.s. midterms, democrats, spain snap election, vox party, afd party, maga, economic populism, left-wing populism, right-wing populism, refugee policy, migrant policy, political scientists
## U.S. and Europe's Political Shift
Since Donald Trump's 2024 victory, the U.S. and Europe have both seen a rise in far-right populism.
## Trump's Influence on Europe
Trump's victory inspired European far-right parties to adopt his strategies for mass deportations.
## Orbán's Defeat
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán lost his election to an opposition party committed to ending his illiberal rule.
## European Right-Wing Movements
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and French politician Marine Le Pen are distancing themselves from Trump's influence.
## Spain's Snap Election
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called a snap election to strengthen his coalition after corruption scandals.
## U.S. Democrats' Platform
The U.S. Democrats promise economic reforms, healthcare access, and anti-nativism to address inequality.
## Good Populism Defined
Political scientists identify 'good populism' as economic fairness over scapegoating migrants.
## Spain's Left-Wing Response
Spain's left-wing populists aim to address housing crises through progressive reforms.
## Germany's AfD Party
Germany's AfD party, classified as extremist, is the largest opposition party in the Bundestag.
## Elon Musk's Role
Elon Musk supports Germany's far-right AfD party and criticizes immigration policies.
## Danish Model's Challenges
Denmark's center-left government faced electoral losses after adopting right-wing immigration policies.
## U.S. Midterms Impact
U.S. Democrats' midterms victory signals a shift toward economic populism in Europe.

> this has to be the politics of the moment to meet the challenges of the moment
## Key takeaway

U.S. Democrats' midterms victory and Spain's left-wing populism signal a shift toward economic populism over nativist right-wing movements.