The term “fascist” is often thrown around in political conversations, but it is important to understand what it really means before using it. Rooted in the Italian word fascismo, the ideology is defined by authoritarian control, extreme nationalism, and the suppression of dissent. Some critics argue that Donald Trump’s behavior and policies reflect these traits. Here are signs fueling the conversation about whether he fits the profile of a fascist leader.
- Ethnic and Racial Minorities
Fascist ideologies often promote the supremacy of a particular race or ethnicity, with the belief that certain groups are inherently superior to others. For example, Nazi Germany targeted Jews, Romani people, and Slavic populations, claiming they were inferior to their superiority.
Trump supporters, particularly those aligned with white nationalist groups, often feel they must protect the traditions and values of white America before demographic changes and multiculturalism erase them. The idea of needing to preserve “whiteness” feeds into a mindset of racial dominance and fear of being pushed aside, echoing the same divisive rhetoric seen in fascists. The emphasis on “Make America Great Again” resonates with those who view America’s past as a time when white cultural dominance was unquestioned. It fostered a sense of entitlement and superiority.
For instance, Donald Trump said immigrants coming to the U.S. are “poisoning the blood of our country.”
- Political Opponents
Fascist regimes suppress dissent and target political adversaries, often labeling them as enemies of the state or threats to national unity. Much of the conversation today focuses on whether a person is a socialist, capitalist, fascist, populist, liberal, communist, or authoritarian. However, what is clearer is that Trump and many of his supporters are highly critical of anyone who does not align with their narrow vision of “American greatness.”
They often portray political opponents as traitors, disloyal, or unpatriotic, further deepening divisions within the country. Trump’s rhetoric of “draining the swamp” and branding political rivals as corrupt is part of a broader strategy to delegitimize opposition, much like fascist regimes have done throughout history. This demonization of adversaries creates an environment where disagreements of opinions are stifled, and anyone outside the movement is marginalized or demonized.
- Religious Minorities
Groups with differing religious beliefs may be discriminated against if they do not align with the religious or cultural values of Christian Nationalists, as spelled out in the Project 25 handbook. For example, Jews were persecuted under fascist regimes like Nazi Germany, where they were scapegoated as enemies of the state and subjected to violence and discrimination. In today’s society, individuals who do not adhere to Christian Nationalist values face similar challenges through right-wing policies.
Trump has often aligned himself with Christian nationalism, emphasizing policies that prioritize the interests of conservative Christians while marginalizing others. This alignment alienated those who do not adhere to Christian nationalist ideologies as threats to American values.
For example, the Muslim ban that was implemented during Trump’s first presidency in 2017, when Trump banned entry into the United States from Muslim countries. Trump fostered an environment where religious discrimination appeared justified under the guise that Muslims were posing a threat to Americans. The original order targeted seven predominantly Muslim-majority countries: Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. The rationale was that these countries either had active conflicts, poor government record-keeping, or ties to terrorism. There was no proven threat from those countries. While supporters of the ban viewed it as a precautionary measure within the president’s authority, critics argue it was rooted in Islamophobia and had little basis in actual security concerns.
- LGBTQ+ Individuals
Fascists often discriminate against LGBTQ+ individuals, labeling them as “degenerates” or “threats” to traditional family values. This narrative aims to create division and rally supporters around a shared belief in preserving its version of family and cultural values tailored to their preferences. Furthermore, demonizing LGBTQ+ individuals undermines their rights and dehumanizes them, paving the way for policies that strip them of legal protections and perpetuate systemic oppression.
By targeting LGBTQ+ communities, fascist leaders exploit existing prejudices to unite their base and present themselves as defenders of morality and social stability, as he did during this November presidential election. Trump blanketed the airways during football games with transphobia, hate, and fear ads implying that his presidential opponent would allow transgender surgery on minors without parental consent.
Under Trump’s leadership, his administration rolled back and plan on rolling back protections for LGBTQ+ people when he takes office in 2025, such as banning transgender individuals from serving in the military and reversing healthcare protections for transgender patients.
Some of Trump’s supporters also echoed these views, with prominent figures speaking out against LGBTQ+ rights, including opposition to same-sex marriage and transgender rights. It further stigmatizes the LGBTQ community in an attempt to isolate them.
For Instance, Sarah McBride, a Democrat from Delaware, was elected as the first Transgender House of Representatives and has become the target of Republicans. Republican Representative Nancy Mace of South Carolina introduced legislation on Monday, November 18, 2024, to change House rules to prohibit transgender women from using women’s bathrooms and other facilities on Capitol Hill, a proposal that comes just before the House prepares to swear in McBride. Therefore, isolating her without any protection.
McBride called Mace’s resolution a “blatant attempt from far right-wing extremists to distract from the fact that they have no real solutions to what Americans are facing. We should be focused on bringing down the cost of housing, health care, and child care, not manufacturing culture wars.”
- Intellectuals and Academics
Those seen as advocating for liberal or progressive ideas are often targeted for promoting ideologies that are opposite to fascist beliefs. Fascists want to conform their intellectual ways to others to have authoritarian control. This typically starts with efforts to control what is taught in schools, such as suppressing history by removing books on slavery, civil rights, the Holocaust, and indigenous history. Their reasoning is it presents uncomfortable truths about systemic oppression, which certain groups argue may make students feel guilty or uncomfortable about the past.
Most recently, Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters also demanded that teachers make students watch a video of him praying for Donald Trump. Walters has also purchased over 500 “God Bless the USA” Bibles. The Oklahoman reported, with intentions of purchasing a total of 55,000 Bibles for schools across the state.
The God Bless the USA Bible, also known as the Trump Bible, is an edition of the King James Version of the Christian Bible containing additional content, including copies of the Pledge of Allegiance, Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights bound in leather or leather-like material.
- Immigrants or Refugees
Fascist regimes often scapegoat immigrants or refugees, blaming them for economic or social issues and portraying them as outsiders who threaten national identity. This tactic serves a dual purpose: fostering fear and division while rallying supporters around a shared sense of grievances. Immigrants are frequently painted as threats to jobs, culture, or security, even in the absence of evidence, allowing fascists to exploit prejudices and stoke nationalist fervor.
Fascist leaders use this rhetoric to consolidate power, framing themselves as protectors of the nation against these so-called dangers. Targeting vulnerable groups creates a convenient scapegoat that unifies their base and deflects attention from internal problems or policy failures. This divisive strategy also enables the erosion of democratic norms as leaders justify authoritarian measures like border crackdowns, surveillance, and curtailing civil liberties in the name of national security. In the process, they foster an “us versus them” mentality, which dehumanizes the targeted groups and polarizes society, making dissent or resistance harder to organize.
- Disabled Individuals
Throughout history, fascist regimes have targeted disabled individuals, branding them as unworthy of inclusion in the so-called ideal society they sought to construct. These regimes justified their atrocities under the guise of improving humanity, but their actions were deeply rooted in the ruthless desire to eliminate anything they perceived as non-perfection.
This mindset of those fascists is more subtle but equally telling ways, such as when autocratic leaders avoid public associations with individuals who have disabilities, are in wheelchairs, are missing a limb, or have facial deformities. Fascists want to project an image of strength, dominance, and a flawless image designed to uphold their manufactured perfect narratives.
These behaviors are evident in authoritarianism, where power is bolstered by marginalizing and erasing those who challenge or disrupt the leader’s grandiose vision of greatness. For these regimes, everything must be “big,” “beautiful,” “tremendous,” and “incredible,” adhering to their vision. Disabilities interfere with that vision. In this pursuit, they not only dehumanize handicapped individuals but also create a world where they are treated as a weakness. The consequences of such ideologies are devastating, undermining the very fabric of what it means to be human and part of a shared society for those with disabilities.
- Cult of Personality
- Attacks on Free Press
A free press is the lifeblood of democracy. Fascists have repeatedly labeled the media “the enemy of the people,” using this language to undermine journalists and discredit critical reporting. This repeats tactics employed by fascists who want to delegitimize the media as a way to control the flow of information, stifling disagreements and manipulating public perception.
By attacking the press, these regimes silenced opposition and spread propaganda to maintain control. Similarly, the rhetoric of those with fascist tendencies today has eroded trust in institutions essential to holding power accountable, fostering division, and promoting a dangerous narrative that the truth can only be found through their voice. This manipulation creates an environment where misinformation can flourish, and citizens are left uncertain about what is fact or fiction.
- Undermining Democratic Norms
A fascist will refuse to concede their defeat, promoting baseless claims of voter fraud and efforts to pressure officials into giving them power, which is an essential democratic principle. Fascists will bypass any norms or institutions to acquire their needs and expand control.
- My observation and what could be done
Until recently, while mainstream media hesitated to use the term “fascism,” I recognized it, felt its presence, and, over the past nine years, watched it spread. And here we are, with Trump being elected president again. This country does not have to endure another four years of Trump’s authoritarian rule.
Fighting against fascism requires vigilance, unity, and action. It begins with educating oneself and others about the tactics of authoritarian regimes, such as scapegoating, propaganda, and suppression of dissent. Building inclusive communities that reject hate and fearmongering is essential, as is standing up against the erosion of democratic institutions and civil liberties. Supporting independent media, amplifying marginalized voices, and holding leaders accountable through protests and advocacy are critical to slowing down the fascism that has already taken root. Ultimately, combating fascism demands a collective commitment to uphold justice, equality, and the principles of democracy over the fear and division that fascists create.
In the words of President Biden, “God bless America, and God bless our troops.”
