Former White House chief of staff John Kelly made a bold statement in an interview with the New York Times, calling Donald Trump’s approach to power “fascist.” Kelly’s words added to the unease surrounding the ex-president’s candidacy, as he painted a picture of a potential dictator in the making. Vice President Kamala Harris seized on this accusation, while Republicans dismissed it as unworthy of discussion.
The concern over Trump’s authoritarian tendencies is heightened by his refusal to commit to accepting the results of the upcoming election. With the Republican party aligning itself more closely with Trump, the checks and balances of the American democratic system are at risk. The warning signs of fascism are clear, as noted by American historian Robert Paxton, who previously hesitated to draw parallels to Trumpism.
These warnings resonate particularly in Europe, where far-right parties have gained ground. As autocrats rise around the world, the threat posed by Trump’s authoritarian leanings cannot be ignored.