As the election approaches, prominent figures are increasingly vocal about their concerns regarding former President Donald Trump. Retired Marine General John Kelly, who served as Trump’s White House Chief of Staff, recently described Trump as meeting the textbook definition of a fascist in a conversation with The New York Times. This sentiment is echoed by various other political figures, including General Mark Milley, former Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, vice-presidential nominee Tim Walz, and President Joe Biden.
With Election Day just 11 days away, these warnings are finally gaining momentum. However, questions arise as to why it took so long for the political mainstream to arrive at such conclusions, especially considering that Trump’s rhetoric and actions appeared in alignment with fascist ideology since his presidency. From his praise of Adolf Hitler to the desire to use military force against protesters, many had earlier perceived his actions as inconsistent with democratic values. The aftermath of the January 6 insurrection only further confirmed for some that Trump was a threat to American democracy.
In earlier instances, such as the withdrawal from the Paris climate accords, Trump had utilized language reminiscent of Hitler’s speeches. His endorsement of neo-Nazis in Charlottesville and harsh immigration policies, including family separations and the intent to build military camps for immigrants, showed a clear pattern to various observers. Even European fascist leaders found Trump’s stance on immigration to be extreme.
The delayed acknowledgment of Trump’s tendencies by mainstream political figures might be attributed to a reluctance to accept the erosion of democratic norms. However, with the election looming, these figures are now making a concerted effort to change public perception and rally against Trump’s potential influence on the country’s democratic institutions. They aim to energize voters about the implications of Trump’s policies and his authoritarian inclinations before it is too late.
There is an urgency to convey to the public that democracies can falter when leaders exploit chaos and publics lose faith. With time running out, the focus is on ensuring that the electorate understands the potential dangers to the nation’s democratic fabric, a warning underscored by recent interventions from both Kelly and Milley.
