Following Vice President Kamala Harris’s recent declaration that she believes Donald Trump is a fascist, the term has once again surged into public discourse. But what does it truly mean to call someone a fascist? Is it a label rooted in historical accuracy, or a politically charged accusation? As the United States approaches another pivotal presidential election, understanding fascism, both historically and in its contemporary usage, is crucial.
Defining Fascism: Core Principles
At its heart, fascism is an authoritarian and ultranationalist political ideology and movement. Often associated with the far-right spectrum, it’s fundamentally characterized by the concentration of power in a dictatorial leader who leverages military force and suppression to quell political and civil dissent.
Historically, fascism emerges from a cocktail of factors, including national crisis, economic instability, and widespread social disillusionment. It thrives on exploiting societal anxieties and promising radical solutions through centralized control and national rebirth. Unlike ideologies that prioritize individual liberties or economic equality, fascism exalts the nation or race above all else. Individual rights are subjugated to the perceived needs of the state, and dissent is not tolerated.
Historical Examples of Fascism: Hitler and Mussolini
The 20th century witnessed the rise of fascism in Europe, with Adolf Hitler in Germany and Benito Mussolini in Italy becoming its most infamous proponents. Mussolini, known as “Il Duce” (the leader), spearheaded the National Fascist Party. Their symbol, the fasces – a bundle of rods bound together around an axe – itself lent the ideology its name. This ancient Roman symbol of power and unity perfectly encapsulated the fascist vision of a strong, centralized state.
Mussolini’s ascent to power in 1922 was marked by the infamous “March on Rome,” where thousands of his armed militia, the “Blackshirts” or “squadristi,” marched on the capital to intimidate the government and demand power. Hitler’s Nazi party similarly employed the “Brownshirts,” their own paramilitary wing, to instill fear and suppress opposition. Both leaders, through a combination of political maneuvering and brute force, dismantled democratic institutions, establishing single-party rule. They fostered environments of violence and intimidation, not only through state apparatus but also by inciting civilian unrest, turning citizens against perceived political enemies and dissenting voices.
Hitler and Mussolini were masters of propaganda and censorship. They systematically controlled the press, disseminating carefully crafted narratives to cultivate fervent nationalistic sentiment and demonize opponents. Exploiting racist fears and prejudices was central to their strategy, manipulating not just dedicated party members but also broader segments of society into accepting and even participating in their oppressive regimes.
The Evolving Definition of Fascism in Modern Politics
In contemporary political discourse, the term “fascism” has broadened beyond its strict historical definition. It’s frequently used as a more general pejorative label to condemn actions or ideologies perceived as oppressive, racist, or dictatorial. It’s become a shorthand for denouncing leaders or movements that embrace totalitarian tactics or exhibit authoritarian tendencies.
Interestingly, the term isn’t exclusively wielded from the left. The term has been invoked across the political spectrum. For instance, some conservatives have characterized strict lockdowns during the coronavirus pandemic as “fascist,” highlighting the perception of government overreach and restrictions on personal freedoms.
Other Historical Figures and the Label of Fascism
Beyond Hitler and Mussolini, identifying other historical figures and regimes as definitively “fascist” becomes more complex and contested. Questions arise: Does Augusto Pinochet’s brutal 17-year military dictatorship in Chile qualify? What about Suharto in Indonesia, or Francisco Franco in Spain? Were regimes like that of Ferenc Szálasi in Hungary or Plínio Salgado in Brazil truly fascist? And where does someone like American neo-Nazi leader David Duke fit in this spectrum?
Critics sometimes apply labels like “fascist” or “neo-fascist” to modern extremist groups, including those who have rallied around figures like Trump, such as the Proud Boys. However, these labels are often laden with political ideology and may not always align perfectly with strict historical parallels. The application of “fascist” in these contexts often serves to highlight perceived authoritarian leanings, ultranationalist sentiments, and the use of intimidation tactics, even if these movements don’t precisely mirror the fascist regimes of the 20th century.
Why Call Trump a Fascist? Harris’s Perspective
Vice President Harris’s characterization of Donald Trump as a fascist stems from a pattern of actions and rhetoric that, in her view, demonstrate a disregard for democratic norms and a propensity for authoritarianism. She has consistently criticized Trump as being unfit for office, questioning his commitment to democratic principles.
Alt text: Vice President Kamala Harris answering questions at a CNN town hall event.
A key point of concern for Harris, and many critics, is Trump’s suggestion of using the military against political opponents, labeling those he disagrees with as “enemies from within.” His repeated pronouncements about seeking “retribution” against his perceived enemies, including journalists, judges, and election officials, are seen as deeply troubling and anti-democratic.
Trump’s history of threatening media outlets for unfavorable coverage and his infamous “Proud Boys, stand back and stand by” comment during a 2020 debate further fuel these concerns. His actions surrounding the January 6th Capitol riot, where a mob of his supporters stormed the Capitol to overturn the election results following his false claims of widespread fraud, are central to the fascist accusation. The leader of the Proud Boys was indeed convicted for his role in the events of January 6th, underscoring the connection between Trump’s rhetoric and extremist actions.
Prior to her direct accusation, Harris had already indicated her agreement with the sentiment, responding “Yes, we can say that” when asked about Trump embracing fascism in an interview. Adding further weight to this perspective, John Kelly, Trump’s former chief of staff, publicly warned that Trump fits the definition of a fascist, citing instances where Trump allegedly expressed admiration for Hitler and prioritized personal loyalty over constitutional principles.
While Trump’s campaign dismisses these accusations as politically motivated distractions, and Trump himself rejects the label, the concerns raised by Harris and others are rooted in specific actions and statements that resonate with historical fascist tendencies.
Expert Opinions: Is Trump a Fascist?
Experts on fascism are divided on whether Trump fully embodies the historical definition of a fascist leader.
Alt text: President Joe Biden delivering a foreign policy address at the State Department in Washington D.C.
Robert Paxton, a renowned scholar of fascism, argues that the January 6th attack is evidence of Trump’s fascism, seeing it as a manifestation of grassroots fascist-like movements. He states, “It’s bubbling up from below in very worrisome ways, and that’s very much like the original fascisms. It’s the real thing. It really is.”
However, other experts offer more nuanced perspectives. David Kertzer, an Italian historian, expressed being “a little horrified” by the ease with which the term “fascist” is applied to Trump, given its weighty historical implications. While acknowledging certain similarities such as a “mass movement” and a “cult of the strongman,” he points out crucial distinctions. Historically, fascism involved establishing a one-party state, suppressing all opposition media, and imprisoning dissenters. While Trump has expressed desires to jail opponents, Kertzer argues he hasn’t yet moved towards dismantling the fundamental structures of a multi-party democracy or systematically silencing all opposition.
David Clay Large, a historian of European studies, suggests that the “alarm bells now going off may be somewhat overblown.” He emphasizes that American democratic institutions, despite current pressures, remain stronger than those in European nations that succumbed to fascism in the 1920s and 30s. However, he also cautions that a second Trump term could pose a “real danger” to these institutions.
Large highlights the rise of far-right parties globally and Trump’s grip on the GOP as creating a “new situation” where traditional political stability is challenged. He further points to the role of social media in amplifying division and misinformation, mirroring historical propaganda techniques and eroding respect for facts and expertise.
Alt text: West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey and his wife greeting attendees at his inauguration ceremony.
In conclusion, while experts debate the precise label, there is a consensus that Trump’s political style and actions exhibit tendencies that are concerningly aligned with aspects of historical fascism. The use of the term “fascist” in contemporary political debate serves to highlight these concerns, even if the comparison is not a perfect historical match. Understanding the nuances of fascism, both historically and in its modern interpretations, remains crucial for navigating the complexities of today’s political landscape.
