Donald Trump and Fascism
Life in the United States in 2025 is witnessing a marked erosion of democratic norms under the influence of former President Donald Trump’s rhetoric and actions. His repeated admiration for authoritarian figures abroad, encouragement of extremist groups at home, and attacks on core institutions mirror tactics associated with fascist movements. From praising one-party rule and term-limit removals to telling the Proud Boys to “stand back and stand by,” Trump’s conduct raises profound questions about the resilience of U.S. democracy amid his ongoing political influence.
Admiration for Authoritarian Strongmen
Trump has openly praised leaders who undermine democratic checks and balances. In April 2025 he joked that he might follow China’s abolition of presidential term limits—done under Xi Jinping—by suggesting “there are methods” for a third term. He has repeatedly lauded Vladimir Putin as a “strong” and “very smart” leader for sidelining critics and defying Western pressure. Such statements normalize the idea that democracy is negotiable in favor of concentrated power.
Support for Extremist and Militia Groups
Rather than unequivocally denouncing extremist organizations, Trump has at times empowered them. During the first 2020 presidential debate, pressed to condemn white supremacist and militia violence, he instead told the Proud Boys to “stand back and stand by,” effectively offering tacit approval. He has also suggested uncertainty about conspiracy movements like QAnon, noting “they like me very much,” lending fringe ideologies mainstream credibility.
Undermining Free and Fair Elections
Central to democratic rule is the peaceful transfer of power through elections. Trump has repeatedly cast doubt on this process. In March 2020 he floated delaying the November election to ensure mail-in ballots could be “properly, securely, and safely” counted—an unconstitutional proposal swiftly rejected across party lines. He has encouraged actions that flirt with voter fraud, telling North Carolinians to “send it in and then go vote,” urging ballot-by-mail recipients to attempt multiple votes. These statements undermine confidence in electoral integrity and fuel divisiveness.
Attacks on the Free Press
A free press is a bulwark against authoritarianism. Trump has branded journalists “the enemy of the people” and dismissed unfavorable reporting as “fake news,” fostering hostility toward media institutions. His Justice Department has revived policies allowing subpoenas of reporters’ phone and email records in leak investigations, reversing previous protections meant to safeguard press freedom. Such measures intimidate journalists and chill critical reporting.
Weaponizing Executive Power
Trump’s second term has seen an unprecedented use of federal authority against perceived adversaries. His administration directed the Justice Department to probe ActBlue, a Democratic fundraising platform—blurring the line between law enforcement and political objectives. Critics note that few modern presidents have pressed their agencies so aggressively into politically charged investigations. Meanwhile, threats to ignore judicial rulings and attempts to reshape government agencies test the constitutional separation of powers.
Political and Official Reactions
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre warned that MAGA-aligned actions “fit the definition of fascism,” echoing President Biden’s charge of “semi-fascism” Reuters. In August 2022, Biden himself decried a slide toward “semi-fascism” by those espousing political violence and undermining democratic norms. U.N. experts and civil society groups have likewise expressed concern that normalizing such rhetoric poses risks to global democratic standards.
Donald Trump’s pattern of emulating authoritarian leaders, emboldening extremist groups, subverting elections, attacking the press, and leveraging state power against opponents represents a sustained flirtation with fascist-style tactics. Safeguarding American democracy in 2025—and beyond—requires vigilance from institutions, the media, and citizens to uphold constitutional checks and balances, protect electoral integrity, and defend free expression against authoritarian impulses.
