What is populism and how do politicians like Trump and Ford appeal to their supporters?
Populism is simply code for stupidity and willful ignorance. It depends on an uninformed or misinformed electorate who either don't have the capacity to understand issues or don't care to, believing instead that some loud-mouthed "hero" like Trump or Ford will emerge to solve all their problems. Deeper analysis of issues is beyond their capacity, so simplistic slogans and unrealistic proposed solutions appeal to them. 
Facts no longer matter, nor does truth.