Expert in Authoritarianism Identifies Trump's Next Target Following Immigration Focus
Ruth Ben-Ghiat warns: Trump's divisive rhetoric extends beyond immigrants with a calculated agenda.
Ruth Ben-Ghiat, an expert on authoritarianism, highlighted the calculated agenda behind Donald Trump's recent escalation in divisive and authoritarian language. Trump's rhetoric, labeled as 'fascist,' drew renewed attention over the weekend when, at a New Hampshire rally, he accused immigrants of 'poisoning the blood of our country.'
According to Ben-Ghiat, a history professor at New York University and the author of 'Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present,' the Trump campaign's intentions towards immigrants are glaringly evident. Speaking to CNN's Jim Acosta, she emphasized the deliberate nature behind Trump's aggressive stance.
She pointed to potential future scenarios under a Trump presidency in 2024, including "mass deportations, mass detentions, likely abuses, and violence in those operations."
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"Trump’s language not only dehumanizes immigrants but serves as a way to condition Americans to accept future repressions," she explained. "This tactic is deeply concerning and reflects a fascist approach."
Ben-Ghiat expanded on her concerns, highlighting that immigrants might not be the sole targets. "Those who believe they won't be affected because they're not immigrants should reconsider. The scope extends further," she cautioned. "I'm particularly troubled by his frequent references to mental institutions and prisons. In one speech, he discussed expanding psychiatric institutions to confine individuals, even singling out a special prosecutor for such treatment."
"This mirrors historical tactics of fascists and communists who used psychiatric institutions to silence dissenters," she added. "The range of people who could be targeted extends far beyond immigrants."
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