The United States, despite Donald Trump’s resounding loss in 2020, still finds itself grappling with political and social dynamics that bear unsettling echoes of the past. Central to this upheaval is the MAGA movement, a phenomenon that, while unique in its context, exhibits disturbing parallels to fascist movements of the early 20th century.
The MAGA movement, with its potent mix of authoritarianism, nationalism, and often violent rhetoric, has manifested in various concerning incidents across the country. These events, coupled with the movement’s broader ideologies, present a stark challenge to American democratic institutions, reminiscent of the shadows that enveloped pre-war Europe. This article explores these parallels, the events underscoring them, and the profound implications for a democratic system under siege from within.
The MAGA Movement: A Neo-Fascist Surge?
The MAGA movement, epitomized by the slogan “Make America Great Again,” champions a return to a perceived glorious past, a common refrain heard in the fascist rhetoric of yesteryears. This nostalgia for a “lost” past and the promise to restore it, often at the expense of marginalized groups, mirrors the ultranationalism that fueled early 20th-century fascist ideologies. The movement’s anti-immigrant sentiment, claims of election fraud, and vilification of political opponents reflect the toxic blend of nationalism, victimhood, and conspiracy theories that historical fascists marshaled to rally support.
With its reliance on charismatic leadership, nationalistic rhetoric, and disdain for perceived political enemies, the MAGA movement mirrors the early stages of historic fascist movements. Its members’ aggressive actions and rhetoric, evidenced by incidents in Arizona, Tennessee, Missouri, and Kansas, and the activities of groups like “Moms for Liberty,” highlight this troubling parallel.
Despite former Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake still refusing to acknowledge her loss in 2022, echoing Donald Trump’s election lies, she recently announced her candidacy for the Senate.
In Tennessee, mayoral candidate Gabrielle Hanson’s campaign was reportedly guarded by white supremacist and neo-Nazi groups, preventing reporters from accessing her—a tactic not unlike the SA’s (Storm Detachment or Brownshirts) methods in the Weimar Republic.
In Missouri, a gubernatorial candidate’s mock book burning using flamethrowers evoked memories of the Nazi-led book burnings, an effort to cleanse German culture from “un-German spirit.”
Further illustrating the movement’s authoritarian tendencies, in Kansas, MAGA-aligned officials raided a local newspaper’s office following critical coverage, a clear assault on the freedom of the press, and an attempt to intimidate journalists. This act reflects the fascist tactic of suppressing any form of criticism or dissent, a crucial step in the establishment of authoritarian regimes.
Moreover, the “Moms for Liberty” group, which directly quoted Nazi propaganda in its attacks on public education, showcases the movement’s willingness to borrow from the fascist playbook. The use of historical fascist narratives and propaganda techniques is a dangerous sign of the ideological alignment with those oppressive regimes.
These incidents all across the nation, driven by the MAGA movement’s core tenets, mirror fascism’s ultranationalism, authoritarian leanings, and the creation of a homogenized community identity often built on the vilification of “the other.” The movement’s anti-immigrant sentiment, claims of election fraud, and vilification of political opponents are drawn from the same playbook that historical fascists used to rally support and seize control.
January 6th: A Symptom of Institutional Fragility
The events of January 6, 2021, were a stark manifestation of these undercurrents. The storming of the U.S. Capitol was not an isolated incident but the culmination of years of escalating rhetoric and increasingly radicalized beliefs. It revealed a willingness to resort to violence to overturn democratic outcomes, a hallmark of fascist insurrections.
Critically, the institutions designed to safeguard American democracy almost wavered in the face of this assault. The fact that the legal and democratic transition of power came down to individuals refusing to overstep their constitutional bounds, rather than systemic checks, highlights a precarious reliance on personal integrity over institutional robustness. The Justice Department’s near-brush with leadership manipulation by a man who expressed a willingness to invoke the Insurrection Act to suppress dissent and the immense pressure on Mike Pence to abuse his ceremonial role underscores this fragility.
Demonization and Divisive Narratives: A Tool for Marginalization
One of the more insidious aspects of the MAGA movement and its affiliates is the propagation of narratives that serve to marginalize certain groups, often those already facing significant societal challenges. A stark example of this occurred in Louisiana, where GOP Senator Bill Cassidy attempted to downplay his state’s dismal maternal death rates by suggesting the statistics were skewed due to the high proportion of Black women, who experience higher maternal mortality rates.
This kind of rhetoric is dangerously reminiscent of historical fascist tactics, where certain groups were demonized or devalued to promote a homogeneous societal vision. Rather than acknowledging and addressing the root causes of these disparities, such as structural racism, inadequate healthcare access, and prevalent chronic diseases, the issue is reframed to imply a racial hierarchy, indirectly suggesting that some lives are less valuable than others.
This narrative, while subtle, contributes to a broader atmosphere of division and inequality, undermining the principles of universal rights and equality, cornerstones of a healthy democracy. It also diverts attention and resources away from addressing the very real issues of racial disparity in healthcare, further entrenching systemic inequities.
The incident in Louisiana is not isolated. It’s part of a larger pattern within the MAGA movement, where divisive rhetoric overshadows facts, and groups of individuals are targeted to bolster a particular political or ideological stance. This strategy, a well-trodden path of fascist movements, poses a grave threat to the diverse social fabric of the United States and weakens the foundational structures of its democracy.
The Role of Propaganda and Misinformation
Adding to the concerning trends is the role of “Libs of TikTok,” a MAGA-aligned platform known for attacking supporters of LGBTQ+ and other marginalized groups. The platform has been linked to numerous instances of harassment and threats of violence, mirroring the tactics used by fascist propaganda outlets like “Der Stürmer” during the Nazi era. This online harassment and the spread of hate speech represent a digital evolution of fascist propaganda, leveraging modern technology to spread divisive and dangerous rhetoric.
The situation has been exacerbated by changes in media control, such as Elon Musk’s takeover of Twitter, leading to the promotion of extremist voices and the silencing of dissent. This manipulation of information and public discourse is a classic fascist tactic, designed to control the narrative and marginalize opposition.
The Business-Political Nexus
The MAGA movement’s incidents across the country also highlight the dangerous nexus between certain business interests and political extremism. This alliance, reminiscent of the partnerships between business elites and fascist movements of the past, has been visible in various forms, from local businesses supporting candidates with extremist views to high-profile figures like Elon Musk influencing public discourse. These alliances amplify extremist voices, undermine democratic norms, and erode the public’s trust in key institutions.
Unwavering Support for Leadership: The Fuhrerprinzip
The MAGA movement’s reverence for Donald Trump signifies a troubling departure from democratic ideals toward leader-centric authoritarianism. The loyalty to a single leader, the belief in that leader’s infallibility, and the rejection of legal and peaceful power transitions align with the fascist glorification of authoritarian power, often vested in a charismatic leader.
Despite numerous legal challenges, including attempts to overturn the 2020 election, recent indictments, civil liability for assaulting E. Jean Carroll, and the revocation of the Trump Organization’s business license in New York, Donald Trump continues to lead Republican polls. This unwavering support despite legal and ethical transgressions reflects the “Fuhrerprinzip” (leader principle) that characterized fascist movements, where the leader’s word is above all laws.
Conclusion: Democracy’s Perilous Crossroads
The United States is at a critical juncture. The MAGA movement, through its ideology and actions — from local incidents in states like Arizona, Tennessee, and Missouri to national events like the January 6th insurrection — has shown clear fascist tendencies. The use of propaganda, the suppression of dissent, the manipulation of media, and the alignment with business interests are all indicators of a movement that poses a significant threat to American democracy.
While the U.S. has more robust institutions than the Weimar Republic, these institutions are under a strain not seen since the pre-Civil War era. The country must heed the lessons of history and address the root causes of this rise in extremism. It requires systemic reforms, a recommitment to democratic principles, and a society-wide rejection of authoritarianism and hate. The path forward is fraught, but it is one that must be taken to safeguard the nation’s democratic future.
