Today, Explained - Was populism worth it?

A new era of American populism kicked off with Donald Trump in 2016. Ten years later, Americans don't have much to show for it.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by David Tatasciore and Bridger Dunnagan, and hosted by Noel King.

People cheer as President Donald Trump speaks during a rally at Macomb Community College on April 29, 2025 at Warren, Michigan. Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images.

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