Trump’s Mental State Suddenly Takes a Darker Turn: “I’ve Gotten Worse”
Jul 29, 2024
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In a riveting discussion, Ruth Ben-Ghiat, an expert on authoritarianism and strongman politics, dives deep into Trump's recent alarming rhetoric. He boldly claims the upcoming election might be our last, raising red flags about democracy. Ben-Ghiat highlights how Trump’s approach keeps his followers in a state of frenzy, focusing on threats and imagined enemies. The conversation also touches on the implications of election denial and the dangers of fostering unity while suppressing dissent, painting a chilling picture of the current political climate.
Trump's recent authoritarian rhetoric suggests that future elections could be deemed unnecessary if he secures re-election, undermining democratic principles.
He has normalized the concept of violence as an acceptable political tool, fostering an atmosphere where dissent is equated with treason against his authority.
Deep dives
Trump's Authoritarian Rhetoric
Donald Trump has increasingly employed authoritarian rhetoric, suggesting that future elections may be unnecessary if he is re-elected. In recent speeches, he implied to his followers, particularly Christians, that they will no longer need to vote if he secures a second term, framing elections as burdensome. This reflects a broader authoritarian strategy, where the leader positions themselves as the sole savior who can relieve the populace of political duties, echoing sentiments from historical authoritarian figures like Mussolini. Such statements are designed to rally support by fostering an illusion of a perfect society where politics ceases to exist, thus undermining democratic principles.
Violence as a Political Tool
Trump's rhetoric has also normalized violence as a necessary means of achieving political objectives, equating dissent with internal enemies. He has crafted a narrative in which violence is not only justified but morally uplifting, desensitizing his followers to repressive measures against those he labels as enemies. References to past incidents, such as his remarks about violence at rallies, illustrate this disturbing theme where he positions violence as a legitimate method of maintaining order and unity. This tactic parallels historical fascist rhetoric, where violence is sacralized as part of the struggle for a perceived utopia.
Erosion of Democratic Norms
The long-term goal of Trump's election denial is to shift public perception such that elections are seen as unnecessary or inherently flawed. By repeatedly asserting that he would only be legitimate if he wins, he sows doubt about the electoral process overall, creating a dangerous precedent for undermining democratic norms. This rhetoric has been echoed by members of his party, who have publicly questioned the validity of elections, suggesting a future where electoral participation could be diminished. This shift poses a significant threat to democracy, as it prepares the ground for a political landscape where authority is seized rather than earned through the ballot.
Donald Trump took his authoritarian threats in a dark new direction during two new public appearances. He suggested our next election might be our last, reiterated in advance that the election will be rigged against him, and admitted all the post-assassination “unity” talk was nonsense, openly declaring: “Maybe I’ve gotten worse.” We talked to Ruth Ben-Ghiat, author of the “Lucid” newsletter and the book “Strongmen,” who helps illuminate how Trump’s form of politics requires keeping his followers in a frenzy of excitement about what the authoritarian leader plans to inflict on their imagined enemies. Listen to this episode here.