The US presidency is widely respected for its authority and global influence, given the nation’s military strength, economic leadership and role in promoting democracy. However, the past decade has been a pivotal period for American democracy and its core values. Donald Trump’s presidency ignited a powerful political movement, deepening political divisions. He strategically expanded his influence using misinformation, conspiracy theories, personal attacks, financial resources and nationalist rhetoric. His targets extended beyond political opponents to include government institutions, the judiciary, the legislature, foreign allies, the press, international organizations and the business community
Many analysts describe Trump’s Republican Party as an authoritarian populist movement seeking to centralize power within the presidency. Concerns have grown both domestically and internationally about whether Trump aligns with fascist ideology. While the debate over whether he is a fascist leader continues, he undeniably exhibits several fascist characteristics. At the very least, Trump is an ultranationalist and a populist.
According to Merriam-Webster, “Fascism is a populist political philosophy, movement or regime that exalts nation and often race above the individual, is associated with a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader and is characterized by severe economic and social regimentation and forcible suppression of opposition.” Trump’s rise to power relied on populist rhetoric, framing the political system, media and foreign policy as corrupt and dominated by left-wing elites. His administration attacked foreign allies, institutions, political opponents and immigrant communities, reflecting an authoritarian governance style. His "America First" agenda frequently sought to diminish the influence of sovereign nations, including US allies. For example, Trump referred to Canada as the "51st state" and called its Prime Minister a "governor," which many saw as an attempt to intimidate a foreign leader. Domestically, he aligned with billionaires like Elon Musk, leveraging their influence to undermine government agencies and threaten federal employees.
The Council on Foreign Relations outlines five stages through which fascism rises to power: emerging from public disillusionment, establishing legitimacy as a political movement, gaining power through right-wing partnerships, using power to dominate institutions and implementing radical reforms. Trump has demonstrated all five stages in his pursuit of power. He capitalized on public dissatisfaction with war, economic disparity, immigration, bureaucracy and media bias. He also discredited the US judicial system, particularly when facing criminal indictments, portraying his legal troubles as political persecution. His ability to harness these grievances reshaped the Republican Party into a populist right-wing movement.
Many Republican leaders have avoided acknowledging key issues such as the January 6 insurrection, the legitimacy of the 2020 election and international conflicts like those in Ukraine and Gaza, reinforcing Trump’s influence over the party. He has also shown a willingness to collaborate with authoritarian and right-wing leaders worldwide, signaling a preference for figures who challenge democratic norms. His alignment with wealthy elites and tech giants reflects a tendency to prioritize the interests of billionaires over working-class Americans. For instance, he advocated for tax cuts benefiting the wealthy while proposing reductions in social security and medicare that disproportionately affect lower-income Americans. His partnerships with corporate leaders, particularly in the tech sector, allowed him to push for deregulation and policies that benefit the elite while weakening protections for the general public—hallmarks of authoritarian economic control.
Trump repeatedly sought to dominate institutions, including the judiciary. He openly disregarded court rulings that went against his interests and expressed a desire to reshape government structures to serve his agenda. Trump’s push for radical reforms, often benefiting his donors and allies, demonstrates his intent to consolidate power beyond legal norms. While the extent of his success remains uncertain, he has shown a clear willingness to challenge democratic systems and test the boundaries of his authority.
While Trump may not fully succeed in becoming a fascist leader, he undeniably embraces fascist characteristics and has implemented policies that reflect authoritarian tendencies. Before the 2020 election, Cornell University professor Isabel Hull argued that Trump was “not principled enough to be a fascist” and labeled him a “nativist-populist.” However, since then, Trump has intensified his ultra-nationalist and populist approach.
His desire to suppress opposition—though limited by American democratic norms—manifests in policies targeting immigrants, political adversaries and critics. While he may not be able to completely dismantle democracy, his leadership has undeniably pushed the US toward authoritarianism. The American people may ultimately prevent Trump from achieving full-fledged fascism, but his political movement has already demonstrated alarming authoritarian tendencies that cannot be ignored.
Donald Trump’s presidency has significantly reshaped American politics, fostering a populist movement that challenges democratic norms and institutions. While the debate over whether he is a fascist leader continues, he undeniably exhibits key fascist characteristics, including ultranationalism, authoritarian rhetoric and efforts to consolidate power. His attacks on political opponents, government institutions, the judiciary, the media and foreign allies align with historical patterns of authoritarianism. By capitalizing on public grievances, forming alliances with right-wing elites, and pushing policies that favor the wealthy while undermining democratic institutions, Trump has shifted American governance toward an increasingly authoritarian trajectory. Although the US system of checks and balances has constrained his power, his influence continues to grow, posing an ongoing challenge to the resilience of American democracy.
