Trumpism Isn't Going Anywhere: What a Midterm Win Really Means

Jan de Vries · 2026-11-12

Let's be honest: when the Democrats won the midterms, a lot of people breathed a sigh of relief. They thought, "Finally, we can put this whole Trump era behind us." But according to Mike Bedenbaugh, that's not how it works. He argues that Trumpism is here to stay, even with a Democratic victory. And you know what? He might have a point. ### It's Not About One Man Trumpism isn't just about Donald Trump. It's a movement, a mood, a way of seeing the world. Millions of Americans are still committed to its political agenda. They believe in it. They vote for it. And they're not going to disappear just because their candidate lost an election. Think of it like this: if you take the captain off a ship, the crew doesn't suddenly forget how to sail. They might even keep going in the same direction. That's what Bedenbaugh is getting at. The movement has its own momentum now. ### The Numbers Don't Lie Let's look at the numbers. In the 2020 election, Trump got over 74 million votes. That's a lot of people. And many of them are still fired up. They're showing up at school board meetings, running for local office, and making their voices heard. You can't just wave a magic wand and make that go away. - **74 million voters** are not a fringe group. - **Local elections** are being influenced by Trump-aligned candidates. - **Media ecosystems** built around Trumpism are thriving. So when Democrats win, it's not a knockout punch. It's more like a temporary setback for the movement. They'll regroup, they'll adapt, and they'll come back. ### What This Means for the Future If you're in business, especially in the startup world, you might be wondering why this matters. Well, politics affects everything. Policies on trade, tech regulation, and immigration can shift with the political winds. And if Trumpism remains a force, those winds could blow in unpredictable ways. For European startups looking to enter the US market, understanding this dynamic is crucial. The US isn't a monolith. It's a country divided, and that division isn't going away anytime soon. > "You can't just defeat a movement by winning an election. You have to change hearts and minds." – Mike Bedenbaugh That's the challenge. And it's not just about politics. It's about culture, identity, and a sense of belonging. People support Trumpism because it gives them a story about who they are and what their country should be. Until someone offers a better story, the movement will endure. ### So, What Now? Don't expect Trumpism to fade into the background. It's going to be a factor in American politics for years to come. That means businesses need to be agile, informed, and ready to navigate a complex landscape. It's not about taking sides; it's about understanding the terrain. And if you're a startup founder, keep an eye on how these political currents affect regulation, consumer behavior, and talent. The midterms might have been a win for Democrats, but the story of Trumpism is far from over. It's just entering its next chapter. So next time you see a headline about a political victory, remember: it's not the end of the story. It's just a plot twist. And in this case, the main character is still very much alive.