Is Trump a Fascist?

Ever since Donald Trump's presidential candidacy announcement in June 2015 in which he singled out Mexican immigrants as criminals and decried the United States' lack of national pride, the prospect that he might bring an era of US fascism was kindled in the minds of some political observers. The question now is whether he has risen to merit the label of fascist.

For the purposes of this debate we will use the definition found in the Merriam-Webster dictionary:

Fascism**: a populist political philosophy, movement, or regime that exalts nation and often race above the individual, that is associated with a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, and that is characterized by severe economic and social regimentation and by forcible suppression of opposition.**

In a country where free elections and free speech still exist, some see Trump as a loud in-your-face guy who plays by democratic rules; whose main goal is to rile up his base, garnering support for his policies of border security and tax cuts. Others feel that his actions indicate attempts to eliminate these freedoms and ascend to a position of near-total control of the country’s policies and accepted ideology.

So how do you see Trump: as a blustery guy supporting policies that benefit the citizens of the US or a threat to the freedoms that underlie the democratic tradition of the country?

Join us at SFDebate to voice your opinion, and hear those of others. Two Speakers, one for the Motion, one Against the Motion will speak initially, followed by a floor debate. A tally of participants’ position on the motion will be taken, at the beginning, and at the end of the debate. The side who changed the most positions wins. Although encourage to, no-one is required to speak. Enabling video cameras is recommended, as those who do so are viewed as more persuasive. This event is free.

‘I am not a dictator,’ Trump says. Here’s what 21st century dictators do | CNN Politics
Fact Check: is Donald trump a dictator?r
Trump’s Petty-Tyrant Brand of Fascism | The Nation
Opinion: Donald Trump is not a fascist. Why that label is inaccurate.