Fast Forward Fascism

Executive Orders Overload

Feb 07, 2025

The frenetic pace of executive orders from the Trump administration is purposely designed. Trump and his main puppeteer, the Project 2025 architect Russ Vought, know they have a short window to install their fascist takeover of the United States government.

These are the four key areas to worry about as Trump implements his fascist wish list.

Overwhelm - The sheer number of executive orders feels overwhelming. They think they have the advantage. (We have the advantage here because they will have to defend multiple lawsuits in multiple courts)
Demoralize - They want you to feel defeated. Take mental health breaks as needed. We have a very deep bench of resister warriors. (We saw this playbook before, although more limited in Trump’s first term. We know what to do. We will not be deterred.)
Beat the Clock - This is our biggest advantage and they know it. They have a finite time to get their agenda spliced into our government. We have to be the most obstinate opposition. Delay, lightly sabotage, irritate, whatever it takes. Just run out the clock. They realistically only have 2 years to get their agenda in place. The midterms surely will be devastating for them if they keep heading down this path at 1000 mile per hour to destroy our economy.
Intimidation - Most of all, they want you to feel intimidated at every turn. We have the law on our side and, more importantly, we have federal judges that still believe in the rule of law. (Trump’s court record in abysmal. His reality show should have been called The Biggest Loser.)

I’m a huge believer in learning from our past mistakes through studying history. I sought out some of the best books on fascism I could find. They happen to be on my bookshelf. Much of what I write here is to their credit and other sources, which I will footnote.

Authors: Anne Applebaum, Hannah Arendt, Ruth Ben-Ghiat, & Timothy Snyder

Major Fascist Regimes in History

To better understand what is going on now, we must look at past fascist regimes in history. Fascism emerged prominently in the early to mid-20th century, with several regimes embodying its core principles:

1. Italy (1922-1943): Led by Benito Mussolini, Italy was the birthplace of fascism. Mussolini's National Fascist Party established an authoritarian state characterized by nationalism and the suppression of political opposition1.

2. Germany (1933-1945): Perhaps the most infamous fascist regime, Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler's leadership implemented extreme policies of racial supremacy, leading to World War II and the Holocaust2.

3. Spain (1939-1975): Francisco Franco's regime, while not classically fascist, exhibited many fascist traits, including authoritarianism and nationalism3.

4. Japan (1930s-1945): Although not typically labeled as fascist, Imperial Japan during this period shared many characteristics with European fascist states, including militarism and extreme nationalism4.

Common Tactics of Fascist Regimes

Fascist regimes across different countries and time periods have employed remarkably similar tactics to gain and maintain power. These tactics include:

1. Centralization of Power

Fascist regimes invariably seek to concentrate power in the hands of a single leader or a small ruling elite. Anne Applebaum, in her analysis of modern autocracies, notes that this centralization of power is a key similarity between historical fascist regimes and contemporary authoritarian states. The goal is to eliminate checks and balances, allowing the regime to act without accountability5.

2. Propaganda and Control of Information

The manipulation of information and the use of propaganda are crucial tools for fascist regimes. Ruth Ben-Ghiat emphasizes the role of the media in authoritarian control, noting how modern leaders, like their fascist predecessors, use various platforms to spread disinformation and manipulate public opinion6. This control extends to education and cultural institutions, ensuring that the regime's narrative permeates all aspects of society.

3. Suppression of Opposition

Fascist regimes are notorious for their brutal suppression of political opposition. This often involves violence, intimidation, and legal manipulation to eliminate rivals and dissenting voices. Timothy Snyder, in his analysis of 20th-century totalitarianism, highlights how this suppression was not just about maintaining control but also about reshaping society to fit the regime's ideology7.

4. Cult of Personality

The creation of a cult of personality around the leader is a common feature of fascist regimes. Ben-Ghiat's work on strongmen leaders emphasizes how authoritarian figures cultivate an image of themselves as infallible and charismatic, using public spectacles and media control to reinforce this image8.

5. Nationalism and Ethnocentrism

Extreme nationalism and ethnocentrism are hallmarks of fascist ideology. These regimes often promote the idea of national or racial superiority, leading to xenophobia and, in extreme cases, genocide. This tactic serves to unify the populace under a common identity and justify aggressive policies both domestically and internationally9.

6. Economic Control

Fascist regimes often implement a form of economic control known as corporatism, where the state collaborates with major industries to control the economy. This is presented as a "third way" between capitalism and socialism, but often serves to benefit the economic elite while maintaining state control over resources.

Purposes Behind Fascist Tactics

The tactics employed by fascist regimes serve several interconnected purposes:

1. Consolidation of Power: The primary goal of these tactics is to concentrate power in the hands of the regime, eliminating all potential challenges to their authority.

2. Social Control: By controlling information, suppressing opposition, and promoting a unified national identity, fascist regimes aim to create a compliant and homogeneous society.

3. Ideological Dominance: Fascist tactics are designed to ensure that the regime's ideology permeates all aspects of society, from education to culture to personal beliefs.

4. Mobilization of the Masses: Through propaganda and the cult of personality, fascist regimes seek to mobilize the populationto supportg their goals, often channeling this energy towards militarism and expansionism.

Effects on the Populace

The impact of fascist tactics on the general population is profound and multifaceted:

Social Impacts

Fascist regimes create an atmosphere of fear and conformity. Hannah Arendt's work on totalitarianism emphasizes how these regimes exploit and exacerbate social isolation, making individuals more susceptible to totalitarian ideologies10. The suppression of political opposition and control of information lead to a society where dissent is dangerous, fostering widespread self-censorship and conformity.

Economic Impacts

While fascist regimes often implement some welfare measures, their economic policies typically favor the elite and big businesses. In Italy, for example, Mussolini's corporate state led to a decline in living standards for workers and impoverished the peasant masses11. The focus on militarization and autarky often results in economic hardship for the general population.

Psychological Impacts

The constant propaganda, surveillance, and threat of violence under fascist regimes have severe psychological effects on the population. Timothy Snyder's analysis highlights how the manipulation of truth and the creation of an alternative reality are essential to fascist politics, leading to a disconnection from reality and a loss of individual autonomy12.

Long-term Societal Effects

The legacy of fascist rule often extends far beyond the regime's fall. Ruth Ben-Ghiat notes that the indoctrination of youth under fascist education systems left many traumatized by the regime's collapse, as they had been raised to view fascism as invincible13. This highlights the long-term societal damage caused by fascist tactics.

Trump’s Brand of Fascism

In examining Donald Trump's actions during the first three weeks of his second term, along with the activities of Elon Musk with DOGE, we can observe several parallels to tactics and purposes commonly associated with fascist regimes. While it's crucial to note that the United States maintains democratic institutions and these actions do not constitute a full fascist takeover, the alignment with historical fascist strategies is concerning and warrants careful analysis.

Centralization of Power

Trump's executive orders and the creation of DOGE demonstrate a clear attempt to centralize power within the executive branch. The establishment of DOGE, led by Elon Musk, as a powerful entity with broad authority over federal agencies exemplifies this centralization14. This move aligns with the fascist tactic of consolidating control by circumventing established bureaucratic structures and concentrating decision-making power in the hands of a select few.

Propaganda and Control of Information

While not directly controlling the media, Trump's actions to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs within the federal workforce and investigate DEI efforts in the private sector can be interpreted as an attempt to control the narrative around social issues15. Additionally, the executive order barring government officials from pushing social media companies to combat misinformation16 aligns with fascist tactics of shaping public discourse and suppressing alternative viewpoints.

Suppression of Opposition

The mass pardoning of individuals charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack17 can be considered a form of ideological support for those who attempted to disrupt the democratic process. This action, combined with the elimination of DEI programs, reflects an attempt to silence certain perspectives within government and society.

Nationalism and Ethnocentrism

Trump's immigration-related executive orders, including the expansion of expedited removal, the declaration of an “invasion” at the southern border, and the attempt to end birthright citizenship1819, reflect an ethnocentric approach to national policy. These actions emphasize a nationalist stance reminiscent of fascist regimes' focus on perceived external threats.

Economic Control

While not implementing full economic control, Trump's executive orders promoting energy independence and the review of trade agreements demonstrate a move towards greater state influence in economic matters. Musk's role in DOGE, with its focus on slashing federal spending and restructuring agencies, further exemplifies this trend towards centralized economic decision-making20.

Cult of Personality

The appointment of Elon Musk, a high-profile figure with a significant public following, to lead DOGE can be considered an extension of the cult of personality surrounding Trump. Musk's controversial statements and actions, often amplified through social media, contribute to this dynamic21.

International Isolationism

Trump's withdrawal of the U.S. from the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Agreement22, along with Musk's efforts to dismantle USAID23, mirror fascist tendencies towards international isolationism and rejection of global cooperation.

Mobilization Against Perceived Threats

The focus on border security and immigration enforcement, including the deployment of troops to the southern border, aligns with fascist tactics of mobilizing against perceived external threats to galvanize support.

Conclusion

The actions taken by Donald Trump in the first three weeks of his second term, coupled with the activities of Elon Musk and DOGE, exhibit several characteristics associated with historical fascist strategies. The centralization of power, attempts to control information and suppress certain ideologies, emphasis on nationalism, and isolationist foreign policy all echo strategies employed by historical fascist leaders.

The creation of DOGE and its broad mandate to restructure federal agencies and slash spending, led by a controversial figure like Elon Musk, raises significant concerns about the concentration of power and the potential for abuse. Musk's aggressive approach to government reform, characterized by public criticism of agencies and controversial personnel decisions, aligns with fascist tactics of undermining established institutions and creating a sense of crisis to justify radical changes24.

However, it's crucial to note that the United States' democratic institutions, including checks and balances, remain in place. The implementation and long-term impact of these executive orders and the actions of DOGE are facing legal challenges and congressional oversight, distinguishing the situation from a true fascist takeover.

Nonetheless, the parallels are concerning and highlight the importance of vigilance in protecting democratic norms and institutions. As scholars like Ruth Ben-Ghiat, Hannah Arendt, Anne Applebaum, and Timothy Snyder have emphasized, understanding these tactics is crucial for recognizing and resisting authoritarian tendencies in modern democracies.

The actions taken in these early weeks of Trump's hypothetical second term, along with the establishment and operations of DOGE, serve as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between executive power and democratic principles. They underscore the need for continued analysis, public discourse, and robust institutional safeguards to prevent the erosion of democratic norms and the potential slide towards authoritarianism.

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https://www.britannica.com/topic/fascism

https://hub.jhu.edu/magazine/2024/fall/anne-applebaum-autocracy-book/

https://thc.utah.edu/news/ben-ghiat.php

https://fullertonobserver.com/2022/12/24/book-review-on-tyranny/

https://thc.utah.edu/news/ben-ghiat.php

https://education.cfr.org/learn/reading/what-fascism

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Origins_of_Totalitarianism

https://www.swansea.ac.uk/history/history-study-guides/what-was-the-impact-of-fascist-rule-upon-italy-from-1922-to-1945

https://fullertonobserver.com/2022/12/24/book-review-on-tyranny/

https://www.sfu.ca/vancity-office-community-engagement/below-the-radar-podcast/transcripts/218-ruth-ben-ghiat.html

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1dg95dyxygo

https://www.klgates.com/Trump-20-Executive-Orders-Shock-and-Awe-1-30-2025

https://apnews.com/article/what-has-trump-done-trump-executive-orders-f061fbe7f08c08d81509a6af20ef8fc0

https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/20/politics/executive-actions-trump-day-1/index.html