[x]

The typical characterization we usually hear is Trump is a populist due to his strong opposition to illegal immigration, his leanings toward trade protectionism, and scaling down U.S. military operations overseas. Well, all three of those have been considered regular conservative positions over the years. Reducing military involvement abroad used to be called “paleoconservative,” as opposed to the more interventionist “neocons.” Trade protectionism used to be characterized as “nationalist” and less libertarian. And opposing illegal immigration has been a consistent conservative position except for occasional exceptions over the years pushed by moderate business interests in the party, such as successfully implementing a guest worker program under President Ronald Reagan in 1986.

I don't think so. The conservative movement and conservatives in Congress have often been on the other side in practical terms.

[dfwgator]

The conservative movement and conservatives in Congress

Most politicians have no core values, they just say what they think will get them elected. Behind close doors, they are all the same, and play for the "Big Team".