📢 The Fascist Connection: Trump and MAGA Republicans Under the Microscope
Believe people when they show you who they truly are.
I remember the first time I said that Trump was a fascist and wannabe dictator. Someone sent me a message and said I was being hyperbolic. The latest news affirms my belief that Trump and MAGA Republicans are fascists and, if elected to power, will quickly shift America from a democracy to a fascist regime.
Mark Milley, the former chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under Joe Biden and Donald Trump and a decorated General of the United States Army, has declared that Trump:
"... is the most dangerous person ever. I had suspicions when I talked to you about his mental decline and so forth, but now I realize he's a total fascist. He is now the most dangerous person to this country....A fascist to the core." 1
We can ignore the warnings OR identify what is happening and take action to stop it. There is no other option. We either defend what's right or become complicit or become complicit.
Look, this is challenging. I didn't wake up this morning and decide I wanted to frighten our readership into a deep dive into fascism. But the reality is that just like we learn about other dangers to America, such as global warming, health care disparities, or racial injustices, we must also be stewards of our rights and freedoms, which means identifying the risks we face and developing plans to address them.
What is Fascism?
Fascism is a far-right authoritarian ideology that emphasizes dictatorial power and intense nationalism and frequently promotes militarism over judicial norms.
What do fascist leaders and regimes do?
Trump and MAGA Republicans idolize Putin, Orban, and other authoritarians because they believe that ruling over people is better than governing by the people.
Under Kim Jong Un, North Korea operates as one of the world's most repressive regimes, characterized by an extreme cult of personality surrounding the Kim family and stringent state control over all facets of life, including media, the economy, and individual freedoms. Human rights abuses are rampant, with widespread use of forced labor camps, torture, public executions, and the strategic use of starvation to maintain control. Political dissent is entirely suppressed, with citizens harshly punished for perceived disloyalty. Kim's regime also heavily emphasizes military power and nuclear capabilities over the well-being of the people, perpetuating a narrative of constant external threats used to justify severe internal repression and the nation's isolation from the global community.
Under Putin, Russia exhibits a fascist regime characterized by centralized authoritarian rule, where political opposition is ruthlessly suppressed, media is tightly controlled, and nationalism is wielded as a tool to consolidate power. Dissenters are frequently jailed, opposition leaders face repression and imprisonment, and state resources are often used to manipulate elections both domestically and abroad. Putin's government has committed untold human rights abuses, targeting LGBTQ+ individuals, journalists, and activists, while state-sanctioned violence, assassinations of political opponents, and crackdowns on free speech are disturbingly common.
Examining the Evidence: Trump, MAGA Republicans, and Fascist Overtones
Both Putin and Kim Jong Un exert tight control over the media, using propaganda to shape public perception and silence dissent. In a similar vein, Trump and MAGA Republicans frequently attacked mainstream media, branding it the "enemy of the people." Trump's promotion of misinformation and efforts to discredit journalists fostered a narrative where only his perspective is seen as truthful, undermining public trust in independent media sources.
Authoritarian leaders like Putin and Kim often promote nationalistic rhetoric that promotes an exclusionary identity that divides societies, intensifies xenophobia, and fosters hostility toward outsiders. Trump's "America First" approach echoed this style, reinforcing an "us versus them" mentality that justified repressive measures and allowed leaders to consolidate power under the guise of national security. Such divisive narratives ultimately erode civil liberties and democratic principles, isolating nations from the global community.
Both Putin and Kim have also undermined democratic institutions by treating elections as mere facades while centralizing power and eliminating opposition. Similarly, Trump cast doubt on U.S. election integrity and judicial integrity, especially after the 2020 election, by promoting unsubstantiated claims of widespread fraud. This not only weakened public confidence in democratic processes but also contributed to the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021, showcasing the dangers of undermining electoral trust.
In addition, both Putin and Kim emphasize a cult of personality, with Putin often depicted as the embodiment of Russian strength and Kim revered almost as a deity in North Korea. Trump has cultivated a similar following, where he is seen as the sole defender of American values. The loyalty within the MAGA movement often goes beyond traditional political support, reflecting a personal allegiance that rarely questions his actions or statements.
Putin and Kim use military strength as a tool for repression, with Trump similarly promoting a "law and order" approach, especially during protests. His immigration policies, such as the travel ban and border wall, echo the nationalistic measures of authoritarian leaders, aiming to project a singular national identity and restrict perceived external threats. Trump says that immigrants are "poisoning the blood of our country" and blames "bad genes" in an attempt to vilify people who live and work in our communities, echoes of Hitler's claims regarding Jews. In fact, Republican members of Congress now spend more time complaining about immigrants and less time working on issues for the American people.
How Trump and MAGA Republicans Align with Authoritarian Tactics
The latest attack and disdain by Trump and MAGA on anyone advocating for everyone who calls America home to thrive and have their rights, freedoms, democracy, and the rule of law upheld by their lawmakers is shown by his continued claims:
"I think the bigger problem is the people from within. We have some very bad people, we have some sick people, radical left lunatics."
Trump has routinely described many of his critics, rivals, and opponents as "radical left lunatics" and "enemies."
In the new interview, he said they “should be met with force.”
"It should be very easily handled by, if necessary, by National Guard, or if really necessary, by the military," he said. 2
Trump's latest rhetoric targets those who want to ensure that everyone in America has the chance to thrive under fair laws and democratic principles. Branding advocates for equality and justice as "radical left lunatics" and suggesting they be met with military force is a direct attack on the very foundations of our democracy.
Trump and his MAGA supporters are clearly undermining our civil rights, promoting fear and division, and threatening to harm anyone who holds different views.
Republicans don't want to represent America; they want to rule over us
And they want Donald Trump, a 34 Count Felon, Insurrectionist, Sexual Assaulter, Liar, Fraudster, Disability Mocker, Female Genitalia Grabber, Twice-Impeached President, Defamer, Wife Cheater, Sexual Harasser, and someone who called our U.S. soldiers "suckers" and "losers" to lead us.
At this point in history, anyone who believes in our democratic values and the rule of law must actively fight to promote the best candidate to beat Donald Trump and his complicit, cultish sycophants; that is the only way not to become part of the problem.
We must hold our leaders accountable to the people's will; if they do not listen, we must work to replace them. Action to ensure this progress, rather than complaining for the lack of it, will keep us from being complicit in its growth.
I have seen your people power, and I ask that you continue to share information and ways for people to take action in our communities.
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https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/11/bob-woodward-book-mark-milley-trump
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/14/trump-military-enemy-within-armed-forces-election-day
The truth about the danger that our nation faces in this election is difficult to fully grasp and confront, but it is clear that our freedom is at risk, and the threat of rampant violence is real. May the sensible people of the country arise to defeat the threat and preserve the democracy we enjoy!
Trump is absolutely a fascist. Project 2025 is a detailed right wing fascist playbook for how the right plans to destroy our representative government and turn the United States into a dictatorship. Before he began disavowing it, it was named Trump’s Project 2025. As horrid as Trump is, it’s his many enablers who really disgust me. Trump is far too stupid to come up with a coherent plan to overthrow the government, but he had lots of help from smart but ruthless people who knew what they were doing and just didn’t care.