The accusation that President-elect Donald Trump is a fascist has resurfaced following his victory, with some fearing he may aim to establish a dictatorship for life. However, this view misjudges the real threat Trump poses, as he does not intend to recreate Nazi Germany.
A more accurate comparison would be to medieval Germany, a fragmented system of unaccountable fiefdoms where local lords could exploit their subjects without consequences. The core of Trump’s political coalition is the desire for a weakened government, which benefits powerful private interests that want to operate without interference.
His former chief of staff, John Kelly, succinctly defined the fascism accusation, outlining characteristics of a far-right, authoritarian regime led by a dictatorial figure. Trump has often spoken admiringly of Hitler and has deployed fascist rhetoric, framing certain populations as enemies only he can defeat.
Cult of personality emerges as key feature of Trumpism’s hold on supporters
His proposals for detaining millions of undocumented immigrants and reports of suggesting the shooting of peaceful protesters have drawn comparisons to Nazi tactics. However, unlike the Nazis, who had a clear, ideologically driven rejection of democracy, Trumpism is not defined by such ideology.
It is instead a cult of personality, supported by a mix of opportunists, zealots, and self-serving politicians who are willing to degrade themselves publicly for influence. Trump’s approach lacks the centralized control associated with fascism. He is more focused on wealth and power, often influenced by the last person he spoke to, rather than any coherent political vision.
Rather than seeking tyrannical rule, Trump and his followers share a common goal: dismantling government capacity. This includes proposals to remove civil service protections for officials responsible for regulating areas like pollution, financial fraud, workplace safety, and consumer protection.
His administration’s hostility toward environmental regulation is particularly evident, having rolled back climate policies and dismantled regulations with input from lobbyists rather than scientific experts.
While concerns about regulatory overreach are valid, Trump’s administration has focused primarily on reducing business costs without acknowledging the benefits of regulation. It systematically cut funding for scientific research and undermined expertise in federal agencies.
The ideological push for smaller government, which appeals to both idealistic libertarians and unscrupulous opportunists, has resulted in a government that fails to address pressing issues like inequality, environmental harm, and corporate exploitation.
Serious libertarians are deeply critical of Trump’s abuses of power, including his policies on mass deportations and tariffs. Yet, the larger agenda to dismantle the administrative state and reduce government oversight reflects an ideology that resonates with many educated, idealistic individuals. This is not populism, as it does not benefit the working class, but rather an ideology that confuses freedom with the weakening of state capacity.
Philosopher Samuel Freeman pointed out that libertarianism’s vision is more akin to feudalism, where power is not used for public good but to maintain private contractual relationships that favor the powerful.
This concept is reflected in Justice Neil Gorsuch’s opinion on arbitration, where he allowed employers to impose unfair conditions on workers, framing it as a matter of choice between employers and employees.
It raises the question of whether workers should be subjected to the mercy of their employers, free from government intervention. While this is not Nazi Germany, the potential consequences of this approach are deeply concerning.
