20 signs of a fascist leader. Fits Trump and his followers to a T
1. Cult of Tradition / Glorious Past
Mythologizing a “golden age” that must be restored.
2. Rejection of Modernism / Liberalism
Framing pluralism, feminism, and democracy as decay or weakness.
3. Action for Action’s Sake
Valuing impulsive, dramatic gestures over deliberation or reason.
4. Disagreement = Treason
Branding dissenters as enemies of the nation.
5. Fear of Difference
Racism, xenophobia, homophobia — scapegoating outsiders.
6. Appeal to a Frustrated Middle Class
Rallying downwardly mobile groups with nationalist anger.
7. Obsession with Conspiracy
Belief in shadowy plots undermining the nation.
8. Enemy as Both Weak and Strong
Opponents are portrayed as pathetic and existentially dangerous.
9. Pacifism = Treason
Denouncing peace as cowardice; glorifying war and military action.
10. Contempt for the Weak
Mocking or discarding the vulnerable and marginalized.
11. Cult of Heroism / Death
Turning violence, sacrifice, and martyrdom into sacred ideals.
12. Machismo
Exalting strength, virility, and domination (often misogynistic).
13. Selective Populism
Claiming only one leader speaks for “the people.”
14. Newspeak
Simplified slogans and repetitive catchphrases that shut down thought.
15. Disdain for Human Rights
Treating individual rights as expendable for the “greater good.”
16. Control of Media / Propaganda
Flooding the public sphere with lies, censorship, or state-aligned outlets.
17. Rigged Elections / Anti-Democracy
Undermining or abolishing free, fair elections to stay in power.
18. Fusion of Religion and Nationalism
Presenting the nation’s destiny as divinely ordained.
19. Glorification of Violence
Violence framed as cleansing, purifying, or patriotic.
20. Permanent State of Crisis
Maintaining constant fear: only the leader can avert catastrophe.