1. Authoritarian Leadership Style
• Fascist regimes often revolve around a charismatic, strongman leader.
• Some U.S. political figures have embraced authoritarian rhetoric, challenged democratic norms, and concentrated power in the executive branch.
2. Nationalism and “America First” Ideology
• Fascism glorifies national identity and seeks to exclude or suppress perceived outsiders.
• A growing focus on ultra-nationalism and slogans like “America First” reflects similar prioritization of national identity, often at the expense of global cooperation or immigrant communities.
3. Demonization of Outsiders and Minorities
• Fascist regimes typically scapegoat minority groups (e.g., Jews in Nazi Germany).
• In the U.S., there’s been an increase in anti-immigrant rhetoric, bans targeting specific religious groups (e.g., Muslim ban), and racialized fear-mongering.
4. Disdain for Democratic Institutions
• Fascists seek to undermine checks and balances, including the press, judiciary, and electoral systems.
• In the U.S., there has been rhetoric aimed at delegitimizing the media (“fake news”), the judiciary, and elections (e.g., denying election outcomes).
5. Militarization and Law-and-Order Obsession
• Fascist regimes elevate the military and police while emphasizing “law and order” over civil liberties.
• In the U.S., there has been heavy police militarization and aggressive crackdowns on protests.
6. Propaganda and Control of Information
• Fascist states use propaganda to control the narrative and suppress dissent.
• The rise of partisan media, disinformation campaigns, and social media echo chambers mirrors this, though not state-controlled.
7. Cult of Personality
• Fascism often elevates the leader as infallible or god-like.
• In the U.S., some political figures have achieved near-cult-like status among their followers, who reject criticism as betrayal.
8. Disregard for Truth and Expertise
• Fascist regimes often reject objective truth and science in favor of ideology.
• In the U.S., some public officials and political groups have dismissed scientific consensus (e.g., on COVID-19, climate change) and embraced conspiracies.
9. Suppression of Dissent
• Fascist governments outlaw or violently suppress opposition.
• In the U.S., while free speech still exists, there have been concerns about protesters being targeted, journalists being attacked, and whistleblowers punished.
10. Fusion of Corporate and Government Interests
• Fascism often involves close cooperation between big business and the state.
• Critics argue that in the U.S., corporate lobbying and regulatory capture have eroded public interest in favor of powerful private entities.
