If Trump drifts away from populism, would it matter?

According to this New York Times article, he is drifting.  Basically, the "drifting" comes down to the following bits:

• He was against the Ex-Im Bank, now he rescues it.
• The Kushner-Bannon split, and the Trump distancing from Bannon
• The Syrian bombing

The article also says that he isn't a populist, but a nationalist. 

No matter what Trump really is, does it matter that he isn't populist?

In terms of politics, it only matters if he can hold on to power.  So, whatever matters the most in terms of that requirement, will be what matters.  If populism doesn't matter, then drifting away from it won't matter.

But populism got him elected.  Drifting towards another direction may not yield the benefit that he has already received.  So, it remains to be seen if it can get him re-elected.

The bulk of the GOP seems to be fighting him.  This may account for the drift in terms of governing.  If the GOP won't let him govern as a populist, they may force him to lose his support.

That may be the idea.