Not all Authoritarians are Fascist, but all Fascists are Authoritarian. The numbered Trump actions posted so far are more a definition of Authoritarianism and not Fascism uniquely. Trump is clearly an Authoritarian and mostly a Fascist.
To be pedantic about it, any adequate definition of a the characteristics of a Fascist state must characterize Italy, Romania, Hungry, Austria, Spain and Greece in the run-up to and during World War II. These are the self-identified Fascist states. I would also include Nazi Germany, though is controversial among political scientists. A relevant definition would characterize post-World War II Fascist regimes that are widely recognized as Fascist: Franco’s Spain, Pinochet’s Chile, the military Juntas in Argentina and Brazil, Slobodan Milosevic’s Serbia, Guatemala, Honduras, Park’s South Korea, and Taiwan under the Kuomintang.
Fascist regimes had all or most of the following factors in common to greater or lesser degrees. A regime that maximizes all these factors would be completely Fascist. Other regimes can be partially Fascist.
1. Authoritarian. The state holds absolute power and demands ultimate loyalty. Dissent is treason. The state stokes fear and a sense of crisis to justify an obsession with security, crime, and punishment and an abandonment of human and civil rights. The military commands the lion’s share of the budget and the public’s adoration. Fascism often comes to power in a democratic system, but the Fascist contempt for democratic liberty soon corrupts the process and ends in dictatorship. [Trump is pushing for it, ICE is demanding it, and Hegseth is stocking the military with Trump loyalists, but we have not yet arrived at absolute power. See if Trump tries to overturn or reject the midterm results.]
2. Ultra-nationalist unity. Populists, trans-class revolutionary movement of a purifying national rebirth to overcome perceived degeneration/humiliation/victimhood, and political paralysis. Patriotic mottos, slogans, symbols, and flags are ubiquitous. All self-identified Fascist states blended religion, specifically Christianity, with this nationalistic identity, but Christianity and perhaps religion itself does not seem to be Fascism’s aim. A transcendent, cleansing rebirth as a united national community is the aim. [What do you think "Make America Great Again" means?]
3. State-integrated economy. Nationalistic militants work in an uneasy collaboration with traditional corporate power elites. Labor unions are suppressed. Rampant cronyism and corruption is the natural end state. [We got there even before Trump. With Trump, he puts industry leaders in charge of government regulation of that industry. His regime is openly and extensively corrupt.]
4. Chauvinistic. Identifies an enemy as the source of the nation’s problems and focuses the national will on elimination of that scapegoat. Creates a social mythology that venerates one element of society while vilifying and dehumanizing another. Historically, the targets were racial, ethnic or religious minorities, liberals, communists, socialists, conservatives, and intellectuals. [Can you say immigrants, transsexuals, Muslims, intellectuals elites, "communists," and blacks?]
5. Elitist. Rejects equality as a goal, expresses contempt for the weak (but argues that anyone can be strong through will), and extols the manly virtues over feminine weakness. The nation is seen as chosen and deserving to dominate. Militarism and imperialism follow. [Attacks on DEI, contempt for the disabled, images of Trump as a mighty warrior, and open self-justifying imperialism.]
6. Irrational. Creates an emotional cult of will, vigor, unity, and purity. Action is taken for the sake of action. Sheer will can produce truth and the desired result. Intellectuals, the arts, and critical media are scorned as degenerates who bring the nation down by questioning nationalist myth. Lies, propaganda, newspeak, and violence are held to be a beautiful means to a glorious end. [Trump lies, takes action without thought of consequences, and endorses violence against his enemies. Consider the reflecting pool debacle as a metaphor. Incompetence is often confused with irrational, but one can be both incompetent and irrational, Trump being Exhibit A.]
