Debate grows over labeling Donald Trump as a fascist in U.S. politics

Donald Trump has recently been labeled a "fascist" by figures including Vice President Kamala Harris and his former chief of staff, John Kelly. Kelly cited Trump's authoritarian tendencies and admiration for dictators as reasons for this classification. Concerns are rising over Trump's potential re-election and the influence of Project 2025, which aims to replace federal workers with Trump loyalists. Critics draw parallels between Trump's recent rally in New York and historical fascist events, while Trump dismisses the fascist label as political rhetoric. Experts highlight Trump's promotion of political violence, xenophobia, and authoritarianism as indicators of fascist ideology. They note that his rhetoric and actions resonate with historical fascist movements, raising alarms about the normalization of extreme political views.