My view of Trump as an authoritarian and fascist are a bit nuance. He is a business guy, a capitalist. He is not a big government guy which is why you won't hear the words socialist or communist come out of my mouth. He has an agenda to gut government and deregulate so businesses can have free rein. But to get there and to get his other nationalist policies in place he takes every fascist tactic out there.
Fascist leaders typically exhibit the following main traits:
1. Authoritarian Control:
They centralize power, demanding absolute loyalty and often ruling as dictators without checks on their authority.
2. Charismatic Leadership:
Fascist leaders often cultivate a larger-than-life persona or "cult of personality," positioning themselves as the ultimate savior of the nation.
3. Extreme Nationalism:
They promote intense, often aggressive nationalism, depicting their nation as superior and sometimes emphasizing ethnic or cultural purity.
4. Militarism and Aggression:
They glorify military power, use violent tactics to suppress opposition, and may promote expansionist policies to assert national dominance.
5. Propaganda and Media Control:
Fascist leaders manipulate media and use propaganda extensively to control public opinion, create a unified narrative, and silence dissent.
6. Scapegoating and Division:
They often blame minority groups, political opponents, or external enemies for societal problems, using them as scapegoats to unify their followers against a perceived threat.
7. Alliance with Corporate Power:
Fascist leaders typically form alliances with business elites to control the economy, allowing private ownership but ensuring industries align with the state's goals.
These traits enable fascist leaders to consolidate power, mobilize the population through fear and nationalism, and eliminate political opposition.
apnews.com
