In a recent discussion, Vice President Kamala Harris was posed a question regarding whether she considers Donald Trump to be a fascist, to which she responded affirmatively, stating, “Yes, I do.” Harris went on to emphasize that voters are not inclined to support a leader who shows admiration for dictators or employs fascist tactics.
The term “fascism” itself refers to an authoritarian and ultranationalistic political ideology characterized by a dictatorial leader who quells dissent using military power. Historically, this term is often linked to far-right movements, with Adolf Hitler in Germany and Benito Mussolini in Italy being the most notable figures. Mussolini, who led the National Fascist Party in Italy, is famously associated with symbols like the fasces, a bundle of rods that represents strength through unity.
In October 1922, at Mussolini’s instigation, armed squads known as “Blackshirts” marched on Rome to claim power. Similarly, Hitler employed the “Brownshirts” to challenge political opponents. Both leaders established single-party governments while inciting societal unrest, which pitched their loyal backers against detractors. They also engaged in extensive censorship and propaganda, manipulating public sentiment through fear and misinformation.
In the modern political landscape, fascism has evolved into a more generalized term frequently used to describe oppressive policies and racism or to critique leaders who leverage totalitarian strategies. Interestingly, the term is not exclusively used by the left; some conservatives have, at times, described government-imposed public health measures as “fascist.”
While Hitler and Mussolini stand as the archetypes of fascism, numerous other historical figures have sparked debates over their classification. Does Chile’s military ruler Augusto Pinochet fit this mold? What about Indonesian leader Suharto or Spain’s Francisco Franco? These questions lead to discussions on whether contemporary extremist groups, including those supportive of Trump, can be categorized as neo-fascist.
Harris’s assertion regarding Trump stems from her long-standing critiques of the former president. She has characterized him as mentally unstable and disconnected from basic democratic principles. She pointed out his suggestions of using the military against political adversaries and his rhetoric that targeted various segments of American society, including journalists and nonpartisan officials.
The January 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol, incited by Trump with false claims about the election, serves as a pivotal moment highlighting these claims. Pro-Trump supporters, including members of the Proud Boys who are now facing legal consequences, were involved in this event, which attempted to overturn the electoral results.
In prior interactions, Harris expressed an openness to labeling Trump as a fascist, supporting this statement with examples from various discussions—including remarks from John Kelly, Trump’s former chief of staff, who echoed similar concerns about Trump’s behavior in office and affinity for authoritarianism.
Experts are divided on the label of fascism as it relates to Trump. Some argue that although he does not precisely fit the classic definition of fascism, his political approach exhibits certain fascist characteristics. David Kertzer, a historian, noted connections between Trump’s leadership style and historical fascism, while also suggesting that there are significant differences that prevent a direct comparison.
Furthermore, David Clay Large remarked that while concerns regarding democracy are valid, American institutions are still more robust than those in historical European fascist movements. Nonetheless, he acknowledged the substantial risk to these institutions should Trump secure a second term due to the rise of far-right ideologies and increasing political division fueled by social media.
Overall, the conversation surrounding the label of fascism is complex, steeped in historical precedent and modern political interpretations, with experts grappling to delineate the boundaries of this charged term in current events.