Is Trump a dictator?
An important question.
IS TRUMP A DICTATOR?
To answer that important question let’s first consider some common characteristics of dictators.
Dictators malign the free press. Trump has done more to undermine the press than most dictators. He drummed into his followers that ABC, CBS, NBC and NPR were “fake news”. When news sources called out his lies and actions, he responded with “Crazed and Dishonest” and “Enemy of the people”. Now, as president he has attacked reputable news organizations like ABC and CBS with lawsuits and threats to take away their licenses.
Dictators use the government to attack their enemies. People who have criticized Trump and his actions are now being investigated by the FBI. Two examples out of many: Dr. Fauci for telling the truth about Covid and Chris Krebs, a senior cybersecurity official during Trump’s first administration, saying the 2020 election was fair and accurate. Both are now being investigated by the DOJ.
Dictators stigmatize enemies and minorities. Trump has often referred to Democrats as “the enemy from within.” He claims they are “Markists, Communists, Demoncrats.” Immigrants are “bringing drugs, they’re bringing crime” and “poisoning the blood of our country.” Immigrants are “vermin” who “infest our country”. So, definitely check that box!
Dictators reward loyalty. One glaring example is Trump pardoning over fifteen hundred people who were charged or sentenced for their heinous participation in the insurrection on Jan. 6th. He has elevated his loyal followers to governmental positions for which they were woefully inappropriate. Hegseth, for example, had no administrative experience to run the Defense Department. Then there is a wrestling magnate with no background in education to run the Education Department. And, there is an anti-vaxxer heading the Department of Health.
Dictators ignore the constitution. Trump is shutting down agencies that need Congressional approval. He is withdrawing funds set-up by Congress, the branch the Constitution designed to control the “purse”. He is denying illegal immigrants their constitutional rights. In summary, Trump is violating his oath of office to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
Dictators politicize the military. When speaking to soldiers at Fort Bragg, Trump ridiculed “radical left lunatic” politicians and falsely claimed the 2020 election was “rigged.” He labeled the riots in Los Angeles as “an invasion”. He accused the mayor of Los Angeles and the governor of California of paying “troublemakers, agitators and insurrectionists.” His multiple lies were a deliberate attempt to win over soldiers in his war against reason and morality.
Oh, and dictators love military parades, especially on their birthdays.
Okay. So, is Trump a dictator? Many are saying “yes”. All of us should be able to agree that, at the very least, he’s certainly acting like a dictator.