Is Donald Trump a Fascist? Let’s ask Umberto Eco

From his first run for president, I recognized a disturbing fascist undercurrent in Donald Trump’s ideology, actions, and rhetoric.

I’ve always been fascinated by the collective madness that gripped multiple societies in Europe between the Great War (WWI) and World War II — a madness we call Fascism. Unfortunately, the term has now become a common insult aimed at people or policies we simply disagree with, often stripped of its historical gravity.

Growing up in Italy and becoming well-acquainted with Mussolini’s legacy, I’ve long noticed an unsettling resemblance between Trump and Mussolini — in their stage presence, ideologies, rhetoric, and body language.

While many have recently compared Trump to Hitler, especially since he expressed a desire for “Hitler’s generals” (many of whom, ironically, attempted to assassinate Hitler, something Trump was evidently unaware of), I find the parallels between Trump and Mussolini far more striking.

What is an actual definition of fascism?

Fascism is a political movement rooted in the unopposed rule of an authoritarian leader. It stands as a total rejection of democracy, opposing checks and balances, subordinating the individual to the state, and demanding absolute conformity from society.