Why This Is Authoritarianism, Not Fascism
Some have rushed to label Trump’s crackdown as fascism, but this misdiagnosis could lead to dangerous strategic errors. Historical fascism required key elements currently absent: mass paramilitary terror deployed continuously over years (not sporadic ICE raids), complete ruling class consensus behind suspending bourgeois democracy, and systematic state collaboration with armed extra-legal militias. Unlike fascism, trump’s regime lacks organized paramilitary forces terrorizing communities long-term. His raids are state-led, not yet backed by sustained extra-legal mob violence. Fascism arises when capitalism is in total crisis, and the ruling class fully mobilizes armed reactionaries to crush workers’ movements. We’re not there yet, but Trump’s authoritarian crackdown is a warning.
What we’re witnessing instead is classic authoritarian capitalism, the state’s repressive apparatus being deployed more brutally to maintain social control during economic crisis. The distinction matters because it shapes our resistance. Unlike fighting actual fascism, fighting authoritarianism allows for, and demands, mass open struggle like the general strikes now being debated in union halls across the country. We must analyze Trump scientifically, not exaggerate, risking panic, or downplay, risking complacency. Calling this "fascism" too early could mislead the working class about the tactics needed. We’re fighting authoritarian capitalism, not yet a fascist state