He Alone October 22, 2025October 22, 2025 One of you wrote to say Trump has deservedly called the press “the enemy of the people” given the million times the press has called him a fascist. I’m not sure it’s a million times (or ever); but even if it is, would calling him a fascist be out of line if he is a fascist? I asked Co-pilot: “What are the characteristics of a fascist leader?” It replied (view here if this formats weirdly in your email): Trait Description Authoritarianism Demands absolute obedience; centralizes power in a single leader or party Ultranationalism Promotes intense national pride, often tied to ethnic or cultural superiority Cult of Personality Portrays the leader as infallible, heroic, and indispensable to national survival Suppression of Opposition Uses censorship, intimidation, and violence to silence critics and rivals Militarism Glorifies military strength and often seeks expansion or conflict to assert dominance Anti-Democratic Rhetoric Rejects pluralism, liberalism, and democratic institutions as weak or corrupt Propaganda & Mass Mobilization Relies on rallies, symbols, and media control to unify and manipulate public opinion Scapegoating & Demonization Blames societal problems on marginalized groups or political enemies Economic Control Supports a dirigiste economy—state-directed capitalism aimed at national self-sufficiency Palingenesis Promises national rebirth through purging decadence and restoring greatness These traits are often reinforced by emotional appeals, fear-based messaging, and a rejection of intellectualism or nuance. It strikes me that this fits Trump more or less to a T. When I sent it to my correspondent, he replied: “You see a fascist. I and millions see a flamboyant, energetic, humorous, personable and headstrong leader.” I’m not sure the two are mutually exclusive. Steve S. “I sent your Who Really Hates America? to my partly-MAGA family yesterday with this note.” Policies from this administration are hurting farmers, small businesses, working families, military families, public schools, universities, cancer researchers, local law enforcement, and legal immigrants, not to mention our most important global allies. We should have known, as it is all described in their manifesto, Project 2025, with a mission to destabilize the Federal government, the economy, businesses, industry and the American people by creating chaos in just about every aspect of daily life, all while fleecing anybody that seeks to negotiate with the president. If they don’t bring gifts or buy into his family crypto schemes, they don’t get access. All of this is made worse by the Republicans in congress that will not push back on any of his most outrageous policies or his exceptionally unqualified appointees that are quickly gutting our national defense, global economic leadership, etc. Most disturbing is the lack of enforcement of the rule of law by the Supreme Court on the president and his vast, unconstitutional power grab that is anti-democratic and un-American. Do any of these people remember their oath to protect and defend the Constitution? Not normal. Not acceptable! . . . which is why we marched! Bulldozers Are Literally Tearing Down Part Of The White House To Make Room For Trump’s Giant Ballroom. I don’t think Trump would be appending a gilded imperial ballroom to the White House if he planned ever to move out. Fascist leaders don’t believe in the peaceful transfer of power. Join Indivisible. Support “my” 26th annual DNC LGBT Leadership Council dinner even if you’re not L, G, B, or T and even if you can’t make it to New York November 14. An adequately funded opposition party is absolutely necessary for democracy to prevail. NOW is the time to fund the infrastructure the party builds and maintains for Democratic candidates nationwide. NEXT YEAR is the time to contribute directly to the candidates you feel offer the best chance of our retaking the House and Senate.