There is no such thing as a right or left populist in political context.
Of course there is. As you say, Chavez was a communist and a populist. Perhaps the real question is whether all populists become authoritarian.
I don't like 'em, whether they're Huey Long or Donald Trump. If I had to choose, I suppose I'd take Long, who at least did some good. Trump has done nothing good for anyone but himself and his family members.