It’s surprising how many Finns have embraced Trumpism in recent years. Even though the MAGA movement’s “America First” policies do nothing to benefit Finland, some seem to adopt them as if they were part of the American political landscape themselves.
Finns have consumed American entertainment, media, and culture for decades, making U.S. political phenomena feel as familiar as Friends’ Joey or Dallas’ JR. This familiarity has only been reinforced by the increasing coverage of U.S. elections and politics in Finnish media.
Trump’s message resonates with those who feel that globalization, the elite, and the so-called “woke establishment” have silenced the voice of the common people. In Finland, this is particularly evident in EU skepticism, anti-immigration sentiment, and the defense of traditional values. While I’m not sure if there have been studies on the subject, my impression is that the spread of Trumpism in Finland escalated notably during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Historically, political movements like this have taken time to reach Finland. Populist and nationalist ideologies have gained some traction here, often drawing inspiration from Europe and the U.S. However, the internet and social media platforms have accelerated the spread of these ideas, making them more immediate and widespread.
MAGA content offers clear-cut enemies and oversimplified solutions to complex issues. Trumpism thrives in alternative media and on social platforms. Many Finns who follow YouTube, Telegram, or X are easily exposed to MAGA narratives, including “deep state” conspiracies, election fraud claims, and COVID restriction hoaxes. Some Finns perceive Western globalization, woke culture, and the liberal media as existential threats, positioning Trump as a warrior against these forces.
MAGA content spreads effectively through social media algorithms. Once someone starts consuming a certain type of content, algorithms push more of the same, reinforcing the idea that “this is how things really are.” This can lead to a deepening belief in conspiracy theories and increasingly polarized worldviews.
American MAGA-Trumpist theories are now being applied to Finnish society. Homegrown Trumpists argue that Finland’s own elite is “hiding” the truth, the media is “lying,” and traditional institutions are “corrupt.” Trump is also seen as a defender of conservative values—particularly regarding family, religion, and free speech—making some Finns identify with his rhetoric and believe Finland is experiencing the same “culture war” as the United States.
For some, MAGA-Trumpism is not just a political ideology but an identity and a movement of defiance. It provides a sense of belonging to an alternative, “awakened” group that claims to see the “real” state of the world. This can be especially appealing to those who feel like outsiders or are disillusioned with mainstream politics—regardless of where they live. Even though “America First” policies don’t benefit Finns in any way, Trumpism offers an easy-to-adopt worldview with clear enemies and seemingly simple solutions to complex problems.
What happens when Trumpism is applied to Finnish society?
The most immediate and obvious effect is the deterioration of political discourse. Trumpism’s culture war thrives on division, distrust of institutions, and often, a distortion—or at least an exaggeration—of reality. These alternative realities have even been referred to as “alternative facts.”
Finland’s multi-party political system has traditionally relied on cross-party cooperation and compromise. However, the populism and institutional distrust that come with Trumpism, which emerged in the context of America’s two-party system, could make Finnish politics more polarized and chaotic.
The spread of conspiracy theories weakens democracy because it erodes public trust in elections, the judiciary, and the media. When people start believing that a “deep state” or a “globalist elite” is secretly pulling the strings, they may turn against official institutions and seek out alternative “truths” that are not based on facts. This can lead to voter apathy—people believing their vote doesn’t matter—or, in extreme cases, radicalization, as seen in the U.S. with the storming of the Capitol. In Finland, this could manifest as resistance to authorities, the spread of disinformation, and the questioning of democratic processes.
Applying Trumpism to Finland is also problematic from an economic and geopolitical standpoint. The U.S.’s “America First” protectionism and nationalism do not align with Finland’s best interests. U.S. trade policy is largely centered on protecting its own industries, often at the expense of international partners. If Finland were to adopt a similarly isolationist and protectionist approach, it would weaken the country’s position in the global economy, which it heavily relies on.
Finland is a small, export-driven country that depends on strong international trade relationships and reliable partners
Unlike the U.S., Finland cannot sustain itself on domestic markets alone. Furthermore, American patriotism is rooted in the idea of national superiority and global influence—an approach that does not suit a small, cooperation-driven country like Finland. Finland benefits most from multilateral international collaboration, such as the EU and security alliances like NATO. Trumpism, on the other hand, seeks to dismantle these alliances and prioritize individual nations’ interests at the expense of global cooperation. Finland’s security and economic stability are built on trust and international partnerships, not on superpower ambitions and isolationist policies.
Ultimately, MAGA-Trumpism’s culture war and protectionist stance offer Finland no real advantages. Instead, they introduce instability, division, and conflicts that have little to do with the actual political and societal realities of the country. To maintain constructive political discourse and social stability, it is crucial to separate America’s internal struggles from Finland’s genuine challenges—challenges that require thoughtful, pragmatic policymaking rather than irrational ideological battles.