What the heck is Fascism, anyway?

That’s the million-dollar question, and I suspect everyone has a slightly different working definition of “Fascism,” which is understandable. Some people use it more casually to mean a thuggish government, and others may have a more academic definition rooted in history. My own definition incorporates a bit of both, derived from various sources over the years, and goes something like this: an authoritarian one-party government with an autocrat at the helm, characterized by far-right nationalism, restricted civil liberties, merger of religion, business, and government, and the use of violence to achieve and maintain political power. It’s a mouthful, but I hope it captures the basics, and puts me in line with most historical and academic definitions. With that definition in mind, I do think our government is on the cliff of democracy, and very close to plunging into the abyss of Fascism.

Are we there yet?

There’s no question that U.S. democracy is declining, but I maintain that we’re not completely Fascist yet. For now, the lower courts and states’ attorneys general are holding the line. However, the Supreme Court has been averse to some of these lower court decisions and are using the imaginary immunity they created for the president to reach some of their decisions. Additionally, congress has largely abdicated its duty, though a few brave souls have committed to resisting, which is encouraging.

Resistin’ ain’t easy

It’s unclear how much longer this resistance can last. It is under immense pressure from the federal government, and the highest court in the land is so enamored of the Unitary Executive Theory that they blessed the president with total immunity for anything deemed a core constitutional duty. I suspect that “core constitutional duty” will be subject to the whims of SCOTUS, and given its ideological bent, the court will be much more sympathetic to Trump than it would to a Democratic president. Thus, we should expect a number of victories for the Trump administration, which will continue to sow chaos with a barrage of questionable actions. Responding to every single absurd and deplorable action will be exhausting, but we must be vigilant and continue to be loud whenever we see injustice.

Who can resist, and how?

Resistance has to start with us regular folk, in cooperation with elected politicians. In fact, our politicians are less likely to act if we don’t push them to. Keep sustained pressure on them. Keeping in mind that the 2026 elections will be critical to stopping the worst impulses of this administration, make sure you vote, and do your part to get out the vote by writing, calling, and canvassing. Sign up to be a poll worker. Everyone has different strengths, and some of us are less people-facing than others. If phone work or canvassing sounds terrifying, then write, like I do. Start a blog and speak out through your writing. Resistance comes in different forms, and some things are more effective than others, but doing nothing isn’t an option. Do not surrender your voice, and remember that no one can take away your joy or your ability to love and be loved.

When will we be there?

There are a few things to watch before we fully plunge into the fiery lake of Fascist rule:

• When the Trump administration starts wantonly ignoring orders from not just the lower courts, but SCOTUS — at least those that are unfavorable to Trump.

• If Alito/Thomas retire and Trump replaces them with even more extreme justices, the high court will bend even more to his will, and further chip away at whatever checks remain on the executive.

• Should the GOP expand its legislative majority in 2026, it will be able to push through legislation to erode civil rights, including voting rights, and cede whatever power it has left to the executive branch.

• Lastly, if Trump gets the opportunity to pack the lower courts with more extreme judges, and continues to get corporations — particularly law firms — to bend the knee, he’ll be able to do what he wants.

At that point, which is really not as unimaginable or as far off as it may have once seemed, I think it will be safe to label us as Fascist.

TL; DR

We’re not Fascist yet, though the government and the GOP are behaving in Fascist ways. There are a few steps before we cross the Rubicon, but those steps are neither high nor steep.

Further Resources, i.e., How to Terrify Yourself Even More

I’ve read two of these, but from everything I’ve read and heard, On Tyranny is essential, and should be the next book on my reading list.

1. Strongmen, by Ruth Ben-Ghiat

2. On Tyranny, by Timothy Snyder

3. Dictatorship: It’s Easier Than You Think, by Sarah Kendzior and Andrea Chalupa (Graphic)

4. Gaslit Nation Podcast, Andrea Chalupa