askchapo

I'd say Trump II is more similar to FDR than Nazi Germany or Fascist Italy. I'm going to list some things here, it may sound familiar to what Trump's doing now:

Putting the "foreign enemy" in camps to secure the country - FDR. Looking to revitalize American manufacturing and awaken the "sleeping giant" at home - FDR. Consolidation of power to the executive and "ignoring the courts", including the supreme court - FDR. Believing one can do no wrong if the ultimate goal is to "save the country" - FDR. Using outside advisors (Trump uses Witkoff) for key negotiations with Russia because you believe that the insiders are comprimised - FDR. Looking to fight a Naval war in the Pacific - FDR. Running for a third term - FDR.

Social conservatism or reactionary ideology does not necessarily equal fascist. Trump is more an amalgamation of ideas from various US presidents that were generally popular or considered influential if they weren't popular, from McKinley to FDR to a "reverse Nixon" to Reagan. A "greatest hits collection" of US presidents and ideas. In essence, he is the most American president that has ever existed, a distillation of Americana. If you define fascism like that, then yes you can argue that Trump is fascist. But I still think it's useful to differentiate from pre and post WW2 Pax Americana and Hitlerite fascism. The closest Trump got to the latter was when he ordered the police to clear out the protestors so he could do a photo op with the Bible in front of a church during the BLM protests in 2020.