After months of skirting around the issue, Democrats have finally decided to label Donald Trump as what many believe he truly is: a fascist. This shift comes as Trump’s campaign rhetoric darkens, prompting key Democratic figures to speak up more clearly against his increasingly violent and authoritarian messages.
Throughout the campaign, Democrats have referred to Trump as “weird,” “authoritarian,” and “erratic,” yet it wasn’t until recently that both presidential nominee Kamala Harris and vice presidential nominee Tim Walz openly identified him as a fascist. This marked a significant change in their approach, recognizing the need to confront the dangerous implications of Trump’s rhetoric.
The change in tone seems to have been influenced by comments from retired General Mark Milley, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Milley, who has faced backlash from Trump supporters for his past criticisms of the former president, recently stated that Trump is “a fascist to his core.” This strong characterization reflects the alarm felt by many in the military and national security circles regarding the potential consequences of Trump’s return to power.
Recent weeks have seen Trump escalate his calls for violence against political opponents. He has suggested that the military be used against his “enemies,” demanded harsh treatment for shoplifters, and made inflammatory remarks about media outlets. His rhetoric has included threats of mass incarceration for those he deems as interfering in the electoral process, contributing to a climate of fear and division.
Despite this alarming behavior, Trump’s base remains solid, and he continues to gain support in the polls. The silence from Republican leaders in Congress regarding Trump’s increasingly extreme views has allowed him to reshape the political landscape, often without public awareness of how radical this shift truly is.
In a notable moment, during a Wisconsin campaign stop, Walz labeled Trump as “un-American,” explicitly condemning him as a fascist. Kamala Harris echoed this sentiment in a recent interview, stating, “Yes, we can say that.” This direct confrontation is a long-overdue acknowledgment of the serious threat Trump poses to American democracy.
While it may have taken too long for the Democrats to adopt this clear stance, it is essential for them to rally a robust opposition to Trump’s fascist tendencies. With significant financial backing from wealthy, anti-democratic donors like Elon Musk, it is crucial for the Harris campaign to unify and inform voters about the implications of supporting Trump.
Voters need to understand that choosing Trump means endorsing a political movement reminiscent of the dangers faced during World War II. This choice is stark: do Americans really want to hand over power to someone who embodies the characteristics of a fascist?
If the country makes this choice, the consequences could be dire, posing a threat not just to democracy, but to the very fabric of American society. The time for decisive action against Trump’s authoritarian agenda is now; the stakes have never been higher.
