Many Americans are disgusted with President Trump’s combative presidential leadership style. The consequences of Trump’s us-versus-them approach to politics have been troublesome. The President’s critics hope to see a change at the White House next year. They yearn for a Chief Executive who will unite us rather than divide us. Their hope for a better future raises an intriguing question: If Donald Trump loses the presidential election in 2020, will Trumpism, at long last, lose force in American life?
Perhaps not. In some counties demagogic and divisive politics continued long after a power-hungry populist leader lost an election or died. A case in point is the modern political history of Argentina.
Juan Peron rose to power by promoting nationalist and populist approaches to social and economic problems. For a few years, conditions in Argentina seemed to improve under Peron’s leadership, but when corruption and the longer-run destructive impact of Peron’s policies became evident, the Argentine people had enough. Some, Argentinos, but not all. Peron’s populist influence continues to this day. A peronista party has remained a significant force in the country’s politics. Its misguided economic policies have been a factor in Argentina’s persistent economic problems. Argentina, a nation blessed with natural resources and hard-working people, cannot seem to break out of financial difficulties. Peronism has a lot to do with these failures.
Long after Donald Trump leaves the White House, his influence may cast a large shadow on American politics. His followers may not easily abandon the movement Trump created. As in the case of Juan Peron of Argentina, Hugo Chavez of Venezuela and other demagogues, revelations about corruption, abuse, and failure may not diminish the passions of True Believers.
