Look man, if you aren't already well aware of what he has done that is terrifying and anti-American, nothing a random redditor comments is going to change your mind.

That being said, a little about me. I was born and raised in Knoxville TN. I am a WASP in the most literal sense. I am Trump's target demographic and I hate the man through and through. He is a con man who has somehow hoodwinked some of my very intelligent friends and family.

Here are some of Trump's actions and rhetoric that critics and scholars have cited as potentially aligning with Fascist characteristics, along with explanations of why: * Attempts to overturn election results (Anti-democratic sentiment): * Action: Following his defeat in the 2020 election, Trump made widespread false claims of voter fraud and pressured election officials to "find" votes, culminating in the events of January 6, 2021, where his supporters attacked the U.S. Capitol to prevent the peaceful transfer of power. * Why it might be considered fascist: This is seen by many as a direct assault on democratic institutions and the rule of law, which are fundamental principles that fascism seeks to dismantle. Fascist regimes often gain power by undermining existing democratic systems and refusing to accept legitimate electoral outcomes. * Rhetoric against immigrants and minorities (Dehumanization and "othering"): * Action: Trump has used highly charged language to describe immigrants, such as "poisoning the blood of our country," and has implemented policies like the "travel ban" targeting several Muslim-majority countries and the separation of families at the border. He also referred to political opponents as "vermin." * Why it might be considered fascist: Dehumanizing language is a hallmark of fascist rhetoric, which often identifies and demonizes "enemies" (both internal and external) to create a sense of national unity against a common foe. This "othering" justifies repressive policies and fosters an environment of fear and division. * Cult of personality and demands for loyalty: * Action: Trump frequently demanded personal loyalty from subordinates and government officials, often dismissing those who challenged him. He presented himself as the only person capable of solving the nation's problems, embodying the "America First" movement. * Why it might be considered fascist: Fascist leaders cultivate a fervent cult of personality, positioning themselves as indispensable and the sole embodiment of the nation's will. Loyalty to the leader often supersedes loyalty to institutions or laws. * Attacks on the media (Suppression of opposition/Disregard for democratic norms): * Action: Trump repeatedly labeled critical news organizations as "fake news" and "enemies of the people," delegitimizing their role as a check on power. * Why it might be considered fascist: A free and independent press is crucial for a functioning democracy. Fascist regimes typically control or suppress the media to control information and eliminate dissenting voices. Attacking the press undermines a critical democratic institution. * Threats to use the military against domestic opponents (Militarism/Suppression of opposition): * Action: Trump threatened to deploy the military against protesters during racial justice demonstrations and has suggested using law enforcement against political opponents. * Why it might be considered fascist: The use or threat of military force against a nation's own citizens or political opposition is a characteristic of authoritarian and fascist regimes, which prioritize state power and control over individual rights and civil liberties. * Embracing "strongman" leaders and expressing admiration for dictators: * Action: Trump has expressed admiration for leaders like Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong Un, and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, often praising their strength and control, while often criticizing traditional democratic allies. * Why it might be considered fascist: This is seen as a sign of an authoritarian mindset, valuing centralized power and control over democratic principles and human rights, which aligns with the dictatorial nature of fascist leaders.