What makes Trump a 'fascist'?

ABC News Daily

Donald Trump says he’s the opposite of a Nazi and his opponent Kamala Harris is a fascist, not him.

But what do his own words and actions show us?

Today, Jennfier Mercieca, historian of political rhetoric from Texas A&M University on how Trump’s language can be likened to Hitler’s and how he uses it to win over his supporters.

She says Trump’s campaign strategy involves terrorising voters into supporting him by exploiting their fears.

She highlights how Trump’s rhetoric includes derogatory comments and fear appeals to create a sense of loyalty among his followers.

Dr. Mercieca also notes that Trump’s repetition of key messages mirrors tactics used by historical fascists to manipulate public perception.

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Dr Jennifer Mercieca, historian of American political rhetoric

Correction: This episode includes a comment that Hitler was a propagandist during World War One. In fact, Hitler joined the newly formed Nazi Party following World War One in September 1919 and took charge of party propaganda in 1920.

Key Topics:

• Donald Trump
• Kamala Harris
• Fascism
• Political rhetoric
• Fear appeals
• Authoritarianism
• Election campaign strategies
• Adolf Hitler