Kamala Harris Calls Trump a Fascist: Understanding the Meaning \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Kamala Harris recently called Donald Trump a fascist, sparking debate over the term’s meaning and its historical context. While Harris argues Trump exhibits dictatorial tendencies, such as admiration for authoritarian leaders and threats to suppress dissent, experts are divided. Some note similarities with fascist movements, while others argue Trump’s actions don’t fully align with historical fascism. This issue has gained attention as the election nears, with Harris framing Trump as a threat to democratic values.
Harris Labels Trump a Fascist: Quick Look at the Debate
- Harris’ Stance: The vice president has labeled Trump a fascist, citing his admiration for dictators and authoritarian actions.
- Trump’s Response: Trump rejected the label, calling it untrue, while his campaign dismissed Harris’ claims as political distractions.
- What Is Fascism?: Historically, fascism is an authoritarian ideology linked to leaders like Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini, involving suppression of opposition and centralized power.
- Expert Opinions: Scholars are divided, with some seeing fascist tendencies in Trump’s behavior, while others caution against overusing the term.
- Political Context: The debate intensifies as Election Day approaches, framing the discussion around democracy and authoritarianism.
Deep Look:
Vice President Kamala Harris ignited a new level of political discourse this week when she called Donald Trump a fascist during a CNN town hall and subsequent interviews. Her remarks come at a critical point in the election cycle, just weeks before Election Day, as both campaigns ramp up their rhetoric. Harris’ comments reflect growing concerns about Trump’s behavior, specifically his perceived authoritarian tendencies, his admiration for dictators, and his repeated threats to suppress dissent.
But what exactly is fascism, and does it fit Trump’s leadership style?
Fascism is historically defined as an authoritarian, ultranationalist political ideology often associated with dictatorial leaders who suppress political and civil opposition through force, censorship, and propaganda. The term is most closely linked with Adolf Hitler in Nazi Germany and Benito Mussolini in Italy, both of whom led far-right regimes during the early 20th century.
Mussolini, for instance, mobilized a fascist militia called the “Blackshirts” to march on Rome and seize power in 1922, while Hitler’s Nazi Party used the “Brownshirts” to intimidate political opponents. Both leaders imposed single-party rule, manipulated public sentiment through propaganda, and violently silenced opposition. They also fostered mass movements, encouraged street violence, and sought to control their nations through fear and oppression.
Harris argues that Trump exhibits similar traits by glorifying authoritarian figures, suggesting the military could be used against political opponents, and embracing figures like the Proud Boys, whom Trump famously told to “stand back and stand by” during the 2020 election. She points to Trump’s repeated threats against the media, judges, and others he deems enemies, as well as his calls for “retribution” against those who oppose him.
The most infamous example of this behavior came on January 6, 2021, when a pro-Trump mob stormed the U.S. Capitol after Trump’s speech filled with false claims about a stolen election. Some have argued that the insurrection was a direct result of Trump’s rhetoric, with far-right groups like the Proud Boys playing a key role in the violence.
However, not all experts agree with Harris’ assessment. David Kertzer, a professor at Brown University and an expert on Italian fascism, warns against labeling Trump a fascist, noting that fascism historically involved creating a one-party state and banning opposition media—steps Trump has not taken. Kertzer acknowledges similarities, such as Trump’s appeal to mass movements and his authoritarian rhetoric, but cautions against using the term too loosely.
Similarly, David Clay Large, a historian at the University of California, Berkeley, also hesitates to fully endorse Harris’ characterization, suggesting that while Trump may exhibit fascist tendencies, America’s democratic institutions remain stronger than those of 1930s Europe, which succumbed to fascism. Large believes that while Trump’s rhetoric poses a danger, especially if he wins a second term, he doesn’t yet fit the classic fascist mold.
Other scholars argue that Trump’s actions represent an evolving form of authoritarianism that doesn’t strictly align with historical fascism but shares key characteristics. For example, Trump’s disregard for democratic norms, his encouragement of violence, and his threats to jail political opponents evoke elements of the fascist playbook, even if his style is less overtly militaristic than Mussolini’s.
Despite this debate, Trump has vehemently denied the fascist label, calling it untrue during a recent interview with Fox News. “They call me everything until something sticks,” he said, dismissing Harris’ comments as a political ploy. His campaign echoed this sentiment, with a spokesperson accusing Harris of trying to deflect attention from issues like immigration and inflation.
As Election Day nears, Harris’ characterization of Trump as a fascist is likely to remain a focal point in the campaign. Her use of the term highlights a broader concern about the erosion of democratic values, with Trump positioned as a potential existential threat to the U.S. political system.
While Harris has struck a chord with some voters, the debate among scholars and experts underscores the complexity of labeling a modern leader as a fascist. The conversation about authoritarianism, however, continues to shape the 2024 presidential race, as voters weigh the potential consequences of another Trump presidency.
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