By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Following the actions of the Trump administration, including military actions, investigations, and the use of force, a two-hour interview with the New York Times provides insight into his leadership style. The article argues that Trump’s actions are better described as tyranny rather than authoritarianism or fascism. This conclusion is reached through his responses, displaying a lack of concern for international law, a focus on personal gain, and a belief that he is above all constraints. This is further evidenced by his self-aggrandizement and dismissal of checks on his power, suggesting a rule driven by self-interest and whim.
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Trump is something worse than a fascist. The label “fascist” has been thrown around a lot, and for good reason. His actions, the rhetoric, the appeal to a certain kind of nationalism, they all echo the hallmarks of that ideology. But the core of the problem, the truly insidious aspect of Trump’s persona and the movement he leads, goes deeper than even that. It’s a brand of tyranny, yes, but a very specific, modern, Americanized version that’s even more dangerous.
This isn’t about some grand ideological framework. It’s not about rebuilding society in some predetermined image. That’s what sets him apart from many historical fascists. While they often had a vision, however twisted, of a better future, Trump’s focus is relentlessly and exclusively on himself. He doesn’t seem to care about the underlying goals of his supporters; their white supremacy, their religious fervor, their desire for a return to some imagined past. He’s using them, manipulating them, because they serve his singular, narcissistic drive: to elevate Donald Trump.
Think about it: the blatant conflicts of interest, the open disregard for laws and norms, the constant attempts to rewrite reality to fit his narrative. It’s not about policy; it’s about power, control, and enrichment for himself. When asked about making billions while in office, he reportedly admitted it was done simply because he could. This is a crucial distinction. It’s not the pursuit of an ideological ideal that fuels him; it’s the raw, unadulterated pleasure of being in charge, of having everyone constantly beholden to him.
This is where the ancient concept of “tyranny” comes into play, but it’s important to understand the nuances. In the Ancient Greek sense, a tyrant wasn’t necessarily a cruel dictator, but an “extra-constitutional ruler” who gained power by appealing to the masses, often at the expense of established elites. Trump, in a modern, American context, definitely fits that description. He bypasses norms, attacks institutions, and creates an alternate reality to appeal to a specific base. But he also goes beyond that.
The historical understanding of “tyranny” doesn’t fully capture the essence of Trump’s malignancy. He isn’t just an authoritarian. He is a narcissist of epic proportions, a demagogue, and an opportunist all rolled into one. His personal failings are a central part of the danger. Some might point to the growing evidence of dementia, the history of alleged criminal behavior, the complete lack of empathy. His motivation is a desire to be the biggest, most important, and richest man in the world.
Fascism often relies on a cult of personality. Trump takes this to the extreme. The blind loyalty, the sycophancy, the willingness to ignore any and all evidence that contradicts his pronouncements—this is the fuel that powers his movement. He doesn’t need to be brilliant or even particularly strategic. He just needs to be the center of attention.
This is a key point: Trump is not an ideologue. He’s not driven by a deep-seated belief system. He is driven by a deep-seated need for adoration and the constant validation of his own ego. His policies, his positions, they shift and change based on what he perceives will benefit him most at any given moment. This fluidity, this lack of any consistent moral compass, makes him far more dangerous than any traditional fascist.
It is worth noting that Trump is not just a tyrant, he’s a product of the failures of the system he now seeks to dominate. He is someone who was in power and openly flaunted it. He is a symptom of a deeper malaise, a society where money and power have become concentrated, where ethical standards have eroded, and where people are increasingly willing to sacrifice principles for personal gain. This isn’t just about one man. It’s about a movement, a mindset, and a willingness to accept or excuse the inexcusable.
In essence, Trump has found a way to weaponize all of the worst elements of American society: unchecked greed, rampant narcissism, historical prejudices, and a profound lack of accountability. He is, to put it simply, a disaster.
There’s a strange phenomenon in social dynamics where the most toxic person can hold sway because others are afraid to challenge them. That fear of upsetting the existing balance, of facing the personal cost of confrontation, can lead people to tolerate behavior that is ultimately destructive. The country isn’t there yet. The consequences of not taking real action are dire.