Former President Donald Trump’s recent rhetoric has taken a more violent turn, yet both the press and the public seem unfazed by it. As a political philosopher who studies extremism, I believe this should be a cause for concern. In September 2023, Trump accused the outgoing chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, Mark Milley, of “treason” for assuring the Chinese that the U.S. had no intentions of attacking during the final days of Trump’s administration. Trump even went as far as suggesting that Milley deserves death. Similarly, in April, Trump stated that his indictment by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg would result in “death and destruction.” In October, he urged people to target Letitia James, the New York attorney general who filed a lawsuit against him for business fraud.
Trump’s past rhetoric has also been linked to inspiring the individuals who participated in the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. However, it is not just government officials whom Trump suggests be targeted for extrajudicial killings; he even stated that shoplifters should be shot. While this rhetoric may be perceived as mere bluster, it is important to understand its historical context. Trump’s words align with a long tradition of illiberal and fascist thought, where violence is seen as a virtue.
Fascist communities define themselves by identifying and vilifying their enemies, creating a highly polarized environment where the threat of violence is always present. Machismo is admired among fascists, with leaders like Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and Russian President Vladimir Putin applauding each other’s masculinity. Trump also embraces this macho persona. Fascists are obsessed with purity and desire to live among their own kind on land they consider exclusively theirs. Achieving this purity requires violence and subjugation, as seen in historical events like the Holocaust and ethnic cleansing.
For fascists, violence is not only a means of personal retribution but also a tool for social disruption and destruction. They believe that existing institutions and norms must be destroyed for a new cycle to begin. This idea is echoed in Steve Bannon’s film and Trump’s statement about riots taking the country back to a time when it was “great.” Ignoring Trump’s violent rhetoric is dangerous when viewed in this context.
In conclusion, it is crucial to take Trump’s violent rhetoric seriously. It aligns with a long history of fascist thought and can have significant consequences. As a society, we must be vigilant and hold leaders accountable for the language they use.
