Fascinating, I asked a similar question of Grok and got a similar answer, some fascist characteristics but not there yet. But I also asked two further questions both rather revealing, and worrying.
First could you call Trump a demagogue, both answered yes.
Second and more interesting, and worrying, what were the steps necessary for Trump to become a fascist leader,in order of importance:
Fascinating, I asked a similar question of Grok and got a similar answer, some fascist characteristics but not there yet. But I also asked two further questions both rather revealing, and worrying.
First could you call Trump a demagogue, both answered yes.
Second and more interesting, and worrying, what were the steps necessary for Trump to become a fascist leader,in order of importance:
Summary Table
Step Toward Fascism Trump’s Position So Far
Undermine elections ✅ 2020 election denial; loyalty-based candidate picks
Capture judiciary ⚠️ Made lasting appointments; partial influence
Erode rule of law ⚠️ Pressured DOJ, pardoned allies, attacked institutions
Suppress media/dissent ✅ Constant attacks on press, praise for state TV abroad
Militarize domestic politics ⚠️ Encouraged violence; armed group support
Co-opt military ❌ Met resistance; military opposed 2020 protest action
Promote ultranationalist identity ✅ Ethno-nationalist rhetoric, Muslim ban, wall rhetoric
Bypass Congress. ⚠️ Frequent EOs; limited by courts and political reality
Exploit crises ⚠️ Used COVID, crime, and immigration as fear levers
Build personality cult ✅ MAGA movement, loyalty tests, anti-traitor rhetoric
So now we know what to look out for!
But it is worth remembering that both ChatGPT and Grok are trained off of what’s on the internet so they are only reflections of humanities thoughts.