The rise of dictators like Stalin, Hitler, and Mussolini teaches us a critical lesson: when societies face economic hardship, social unrest, and political instability, as in 2020, they become vulnerable to authoritarian figures who promise swift solutions. These leaders exploit fear and uncertainty, presenting themselves as saviors capable of restoring order and national pride. If that sounds familiar, remember the words echoed by former President Donald Trump, “I alone can fix it, I am your retribution.” While their promises might initially resonate with a particular group of people, the reality of their rule is often marked by oppression, propaganda, and the erosion of democratic institutions. In analyzing these past examples, we must learn from history and watch closely for similar patterns emerging, as in the case of Donald Trump. Therefore, we need to prevent the rise of future authoritarian leaders.
Donald Trump’s 2016 presidency has raised alarms among many who see similarities to past dictators in his rhetoric and behavior. Like his infamous predecessors, Trump capitalized on made-up economic discontent and societal divisions, positioning himself as an outsider and President who could disrupt the status quo. His rallies are marked by emotional displays of nationalism and a stark “us vs. them” mentality, echoing the divisive tactics used by authoritarian leaders to consolidate power. For instance, his “America First” policy and the “Muslim Ban” were reminiscent of the nationalistic and discriminatory policies of past dictators. Trump’s disdain for the media, which he frequently labeled as “fake news,” if there is criticism about him or his policies. His attempts to delegitimize any opposition, whether political or judicial, mirrored the propaganda and suppression strategies employed by dictators to stifle those who disagreed with their agenda.
Trump’s undermining of democratic norms and institutions is particularly concerning. His refusal to accept the results of the 2020 presidential election and the incitement of the January 6th Capitol riot exemplify a dangerous disregard for the rule of law and the peaceful transfer of power, which are the fundamental pillars of our democracy. Trump’s behavior threatens the stability of the United States and sets a dangerous precedent for future leaders who might seek to exploit similar tactics.
In light of these parallels, Americans must recognize the dangers of allowing leaders with authoritarian tendencies to rise unchecked. The history of dictatorships shows us that the magnetism of strongman leadership often comes at the cost of individual freedoms and democratic values. While Trump as President may not have succeeded in fully dismantling American democracy, the warning signs are unmistakable. To safeguard the future of the United States, we must remain vigilant, uphold democratic principles, and actively resist the enticement of authoritarianism in all its forms. Our resistance is a powerful force in preserving our democracy.
In November 2020, we overcame a second Trump term that would have been a sure door opening into the United States becoming an autocratic state.
This November 2024, Trump is seeking the presidency again while he fights criminal charges. For 248 years, we have been told that no one is above the law. On July 1, 2024, the Supreme Court of the United States’ recent ruling giving the President immunity over his official acts as President sent legal scholars into a frenzy trying to figure out how Trump’s upcoming trials will play out. This ruling, granting immunity to the office of the Presidency, could shield Trump from certain legal consequences.
Special Counsel Jack Smith has two federal charges pending against the former President. One of those, brought in Washington, has accused the former President of plotting to subvert the 2020 election. The other, filed in Florida, has charged Trump with holding on to a trove of highly sensitive classified documents after he left office and then obstructing the government’s repeated efforts to retrieve them. The third case is a State case out of Georgia. The Georgia indictment, handed down in August 2023, charges Trump and his allies with conspiring to overturn his slim election loss in the state in 2020. Each judge must weigh which charges are immune from prosecution after the SCOTUS’s shocking decision.
With the Presidential election being four months away, Trump, in concert with top Republicans and conservative figures and organizations, has already sketched out a plan to reshape the federal government in their image. The plan is called Project 2025, and it is an array of policy transition proposals that outline how, should Trump win the November election, he can most effectively broaden the federal government to carry out an extremist far-right agenda.
Project 2025 is a 920-page document that outlines exactly what the next Trump presidency would look like. It is a blueprint for carrying out their vision through recommendations for key White House staff, cabinet positions, Congress, federal agencies, commissions, and boards. The plan even outlines a vetting process for appointing and hiring the right people at every level of government to carry out this vision.
Among the troubling suggestions laid out in the playbook is a detailed plan to essentially purge the federal workforce of tens of thousands of workers in favor of hiring ones who will adhere to the conservative principles of Project 2025. Paul Dans, a former Trump administration official’s director of Project 2025’s Presidential Transition Project, told the Associated Press the 180-day transition plan is a “clarion call to come to Washington… People need to lay down their tools, step aside from their professional lives, and say, “This is my lifetime moment to serve.”
Much of the 180-Day Playbook reads like a cult’s recruiting pamphlet, explaining how department and agency heads should be vetting potential candidates. If that sounds familiar, it has been used before by Adolf Hitler to spread Nazi propaganda with recruitment, as stated by Paul Dan’s “clarion call” to come to Washington after purging tens of thousands of federal workers.
The Heritage Foundation organized Project 2025. The initiative is a coalition of more than 100 right-wing groups, including America First Legal, the Public Interest Legal Foundation, and Moms For Liberty. Trump is aware of Project 2025, and they have set out to implement policies according to the former President’s authoritarian desires. Some call Project 25 a Presidential Transition Project, a Playbook, a Transition Policy for Conservatives, or a manuscript. At this point, it is a full-fledged autocratic Manifesto after it has been leaked.
One thing for sure is we could stop Trump, the potential autocrat, from becoming President, along with his cultish foundations, and that is by voting against Trump and his endorsed foundations to save our democracy from authoritarianism.
We need to:
- Strengthen Democratic Institutions:
- Independent Judiciary: Never give up on ensuring the judiciary remains independent and free from political influence to uphold the rule of law and check executive power despite the SCOTUS ruling.
- Free Press: Support and protect a free and independent press to hold leaders accountable and provide citizens with unbiased information.
- Promote Civic Education:
- Voter Education: Educate citizens about the importance of democracy, their voting rights, and the dangers of autocratic rule.
- Civic Engagement: Encourage active participation in democratic processes, such as voting, attending town hall meetings, and engaging in public debates.
- Enforce Term Limits:
- Constitutional Safeguards: Ensure that term limits for the presidency are clearly defined in the constitution and strictly enforced to prevent individuals from consolidating power for too long.
- Strengthen Checks and Balances:
- Legislative Oversight: Empower the legislative branch to oversee and effectively check the executive branch’s actions.
- Decentralization: Promote decentralization of power to local and regional governments to prevent excessive concentration of authority at the national level.
- Protect and Promote Human Rights:
- Civil Liberties: Safeguard civil liberties, including freedom of speech, assembly, and association, to allow citizens to express dissent and organize against potential autocratic tendencies.
- Anti-Corruption Measures: Implement and enforce solid anti-corruption laws to reduce power abuse and ensure government officials are held accountable.
- Foster a Vibrant Civil Society:
- Support NGOs: Encourage and support non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that advocate for democracy, human rights, and good governance.
- Build Coalitions: Form coalitions of like-minded organizations, community groups, and activists to oppose autocratic moves and support democratic principles.
By focusing on these strategies, citizens and institutions can create a resilient, democratic framework that resists the rise of autocratic leaders and ensures that power remains accountable.
