We’ve been here. A lot of these were heavily evident even during the Bush years post-9/11 and the “War on Terror.”

It has been a slow and steady slide into authoritarianism.

Gave the AI the link to Umberto Eco’s essay (link), and asked whether Trump fits the characteristics:

Let me know if you want to prompt stuff, got the Kagi thread saved.

Based on an analysis of the evidence gathered, here is an assessment of how closely Donald Trump aligns with each of Umberto Eco’s 14 common features of fascism:

1. Cult of tradition: PARTIAL ALIGNMENT While some of Trump’s rhetoric appeals to traditional values, the evidence of full-fledged “syncretism” or philosophies “contain[ing] contradictory features” is limited. Experts note Trump’s “nostalgia for a mythical past” but see his populism as more about an idealized 1950s than Eco’s “primordial soup.” (1)

2. Rejection of modernism: INCONCLUSIVE There are examples of Trump criticizing progressive values and “globalism,” but also many instances of him embracing modern technology, aesthetics, and cultural attitudes. The evidence is mixed and lacks expert consensus on Trump truly rejecting modernism in an ideological sense. (2)

3. Cult of action for action’s sake: CLOSE ALIGNMENT From his impulsive decision-making to his praise for force over diplomacy to his portrayal of critics as weak, Trump exhibits the “action is beautiful in itself” ethos Eco describes. Experts call his governance style “the opposite of reflection and deliberation” and cite it as a key fascist parallel. (3)(4)

4. Disagreement is treason: CLOSE ALIGNMENT Trump has a clear pattern of attacking those who criticize or oppose him as un-American and treasonous. He said Democrats who didn’t applaud his State of the Union were “treasonous,” suggested his impeachment was a “coup,” and called investigations into him “witch hunts.” Scholars say this fits fascists’ view of dissent as betrayal. (5)(6)(7)

5. Fear of difference: CLOSE ALIGNMENT Trump has consistently used fearmongering about immigrants, minorities, and other groups as a political tactic. From his “Islam hates us” remarks to his “shithole countries” comment to his ads depicting immigrants as violent criminals, Trump has made appeals to prejudice a core part of his messaging. Experts say this fits fascism’s “obsessive preoccupation with the enemy.” (8)(9)(10)

6. Appeal to social frustration: CLOSE ALIGNMENT Trump’s rhetoric is full of appeals to the resentments of downwardly mobile middle class voters. His inaugural address decried an establishment that “protected itself but not the citizens of our country.” He has portrayed economic and cultural changes as a zero-sum threat, telling supporters “they’re taking your jobs, they’re taking your money.” Scholars say this exemplifies fascism’s exploitation of “individual and social frustration.” (11)(12)(13)

7. Obsession with a plot: CLOSE ALIGNMENT Trump has frequently advanced baseless conspiracy theories, from birtherism to claims of immigrant voter fraud to his insistence that the “deep state” and “fake news” are sabotaging him. During COVID, he alleged the “medical deep state” was thwarting treatments to hurt his reelection. Experts say this fits fascism’s conspiratorial mindset of hidden enemies. (14)(15)(16)

8. Enemies are at the same time too strong and too weak: CLOSE ALIGNMENT Trump depicts his opponents as both existential threats and inherently inferior. He said Mexico was “sending rapists” but could be forced to pay for a border wall. He called the Mueller probe a “coup” but said it was run by “angry Democrats” who were “screaming and shouting at people.” Scholars say this doublethink is a hallmark of fascist rhetoric. (17)(18)(19)

9. Pacifism is trafficking with the enemy: PARTIAL ALIGNMENT While Trump has criticized diplomatic agreements as weak and portrayed global institutions as threats to sovereignty, he has also touted his own dealmaking and declared himself a “big fan” of NATO. The evidence is mixed on whether he truly exemplifies fascism’s “life is permanent warfare” ethos. (20)(21)

10. Contempt for the weak: CLOSE ALIGNMENT Trump has consistently equated compassion with weakness, from mocking a disabled reporter to calling avoiding STDs his “personal Vietnam” to saying “I don’t like people who get captured” about POWs. He has dismissed empathy as “politically correct” and made callous remarks about numerous tragedies. Experts say this fits fascism’s “cult of heroism.” (22)(23)(24)

11. Cult of heroism: CLOSE ALIGNMENT Trump frequently uses language glorifying toughness, strength, and martial virtues over reason and dialogue. He has pardoned war criminals, called for violence against protesters, and praised the Jan 6th rioters as “patriots.” Scholars say this “exaltation of aggressive masculinity” is central to fascist ideology. (25)(26)(27)

12. Machismo and weaponry: CLOSE ALIGNMENT Trump has a long history of misogynistic rhetoric and behavior, from his “grab 'em by the pussy” comments to the numerous sexual misconduct allegations against him. He has equated leadership with stereotypical male traits like toughness and virility while denigrating female opponents as weak and irrational. Experts say this “cult of masculinity” is a key fascist warning sign. (28)(29)(30)

13. Selective populism: CLOSE ALIGNMENT Trump portrays himself as the sole authentic representative of “the people” while attacking institutions that check his power. He has claimed “I alone can fix it,” called the media “enemies of the people,” and disputed the legitimacy of elections he lost. Scholars say this “populist rhetoric with an authoritarian reality” is a defining trait of fascism. (31)(32)(33)

14. Newspeak: CLOSE ALIGNMENT Trump frequently uses the kind of “impoverished vocabulary” and emotionally-charged, Manichean language Eco describes. His speeches rely heavily on simple slogans, violent imagery, and repetition. He casts opponents as existential threats rather than debating ideas. Experts say this “rhetorical violence” and “division of the world into us and them” is a hallmark of fascist communication. (34)(35)(36)

In summary, the evidence shows Trump closely aligning with 11 of Eco’s 14 common features of fascism, with inconclusive data on 2 others. From his appeals to prejudice to his contempt for democratic institutions to his “strongman” posturing, Trump exhibits a striking number of the key warning signs. Experts on fascism validate these parallels, describing Trump as “echoing” and “exemplifying” core parts of Eco’s framework.

So while Trump may not fit every single criteria perfectly, there is a very strong case that he can be categorized as fascist based on the available information. The consistency and extremity with which he matches Eco’s paradigm across so many dimensions is alarming. Scholars’ analysis affirms that Trumpism embodies the “cult of tradition,” “action for action’s sake,” and “selective populism” at the heart of Eco’s definition.

Therefore, the only reasonable conclusion is that Trump represents a form of fascist politics as Eco conceived it. The evidence is too multi-faceted and well-supported to deny. From his words to his actions to their impact, Trump serves as a disturbing illustration of fascism’s enduring threat to liberal democracy. One can only hope these “ur-fascist” traits are recognized and rejected before the full scope of that threat is realized.

I find this to be a better list

Umberto Eco Makes a List of the 14 Common Features of Fascism

Here is the source of the content, since the original source is down:

https://www.hipforums.com/forum/threads/the-14-characteristics-of-fascism.237793/

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Hallmarks of a Fascist Regime By Skip Stone Posted on Hippy.com 12/8/2002

One leader who has nearly absolute control of government, despite pretense otherwise. There is no effective opposition to his policies.

All opposition held in check through various overt and covert means (although they go thru the motions of being an opposition).

Limited public debate about policies.

Control over media. Media only reports what government allows it to report. Covert Censorship.

Rigged Elections

Constant appeals to Patriotism with lots of flag waving. Flags and/or images of the Leader appear everywhere. Those who don’t follow along are singled out and ridiculed.

Vocal Opponents end up dead under mysterious circumstances (Like Martin Luther King, Bobby Kennedy, Paul Wellstone for example)

Leader passes laws giving himself even more powers

Controls the masses through Fear Mongering

Scapegoating. Certain class of people blamed for the problems the leader faces, justifying new laws and military actions.

Must have an ongoing war to keep people’s minds off how fucked their own government is.

No real policy to improve the lives of the average person.

Leader surrounded only by trusted friends and business people who profit handsomely.

Most actions favor insiders, friends and Corporate entities at the expense of the people. Laws that monitor and control business practices are removed.

Constantly preaching morality to the masses (to cover their own immoral actions)

Government involved in numerous illegal activities, all kept secret through various means.

Violates, disrespects or refuses to agree to World Conventions on Human Rights, international norms of conduct, and other laws. All manner of excuses offered.

Spy agencies given broad new powers and funding.

Government increases covert activities against its own citizens. Citizens are urged to spy on citizens.

Many civil liberties restricted or suspended.

An incredible amount of blood is spilled, with no obvious benefit except to those in power.

Does ANY of this sound familiar where you live?

Then YOU’RE LIVING under Fascism!

Some well known fascists:

Hitler, Mussolini, Franco, Marcos, Saddam Hussein, Noriega, Suharto, Sukarno, Pinochet, Milosovich, Bush

Please note at one time or another most of these people were either trained or supported by the US government and had numerous business dealings with US corporations.

Ok, he’s a fascist. Let’s assume we needed a checklist to confirm this and that it hadn’t been already made abundantly clear.

Now what?

Every south American country thay based it’s government off of the US Constitution has fallen into dictatorship

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