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More like Hitler or Mussolini? Here’s why years ago I labeled Donald Trump as “The American Il Duce.”

Trump’s Rhetoric: Closer to Mussolini Than Hitler.

1. Personalism & Ego-Driven Messaging

Mussolini & Trump: “I Alone Can Fix It”

Mussolini and Trump both centered their political rhetoric around themselves, rather than a broader ideological movement.

Mussolini declared himself the sole architect of Italy’s future:

“I am the state, and the state is me.”
“I have given you an empire.”

Trump frequently frames himself as America’s only hope:

“I alone can fix it.”
“If we don’t win, you’re not going to have a country anymore.”

Both leaders suggest that without them, their nation will collapse into ruin. This differs from Hitler, who—while intensely egotistical—placed Nazi ideology above himself. Hitler framed himself as a messenger of destiny rather than simply an individual force.

2. Theatrical & Bombastic Delivery

Mussolini & Trump: Over-the-Top Performers

Trump and Mussolini share a similar theatrical delivery, characterized by:

✅ Exaggerated facial expressions (smirking, rolling eyes, puffing out chest)
✅ Dramatic pauses to let the audience react ✅ Broad hand gestures and physical dominance on stage ✅ Mocking opponents through sarcasm and exaggerated tone

Mussolini would often:

Puff out his chest and tilt his chin upward in a dominant stance. Use grand arm movements to appear larger-than-life. Smirk and roll his eyes when dismissing opponents.

Trump does the same:

Uses broad hand gestures, shrugging, and exaggerated movements. Pauses for laughter and applause, encouraging audience engagement. Mimics opponents mockingly, like when he imitated a disabled reporter.

How This Differs from Hitler

Hitler rehearsed his gestures meticulously, planning his movements in advance.

His speeches built in intensity, designed to reach a crescendo of mass hysteria.

Trump and Mussolini are more improvisational and reactionary rather than disciplined.

3. Mockery, Insults & Nicknames

Trump & Mussolini: Masters of Ridicule

Both leaders rely on personal insults and mockery rather than ideological arguments.

Mussolini:

Mocked enemies for being weak, effeminate, or incompetent.

Trump:

Uses demeaning nicknames for opponents:

“Sleepy Joe” (Biden)
“Crooked Hillary” (Clinton)
“Lyin’ Ted” (Cruz)

Hitler did not use these kinds of insults. His rhetoric was about inciting hatred, not humor.

4. Populist, Nationalist Themes

Trump & Mussolini: “Make the Nation Great Again”

Mussolini: Promised to revive the Roman Empire and restore Italy’s lost greatness.

Trump: “Make America Great Again” is a direct appeal to nostalgia.

Both use simplistic slogans to appeal to the masses:

Mussolini: “Believe, Obey, Fight.”

Trump: “Make America Great Again.”

Hitler’s nationalism was far more militaristic and racial rather than nostalgic.

5. Demonization of the Press

Mussolini & Trump: The Media as the Enemy

Mussolini shut down newspapers and arrested journalists.

Trump constantly attacks journalists, calling them:

“Fake news.”

“The enemy of the people.”

Hitler also controlled the press but used systematic propaganda, whereas Trump and Mussolini’s attacks on the media are more spontaneous and personal.

6. Scapegoating & Conspiracies

Trump & Hitler: Blaming Others for National Problems

Both use scapegoating to rally support:

Hitler: Blamed Jews and communists.

Trump: Blames immigrants, the “deep state,” and elites.

Both promote conspiracy theories:

Hitler: “Jews control the banks and media.”

Trump: “The election was stolen,” “Deep state is after me.”

This is one area where Trump’s rhetoric is closer to Hitler than Mussolini, though without the genocidal component.

Final Verdict: Trump is More Like Mussolini Than Hitler

While Trump shares some traits with Hitler, particularly scapegoating and conspiracy theories, his rhetoric, delivery, and style are far more aligned with Mussolini:

✅ Improvisational, bombastic speeches
✅ Personal branding and ego-driven messaging
✅ Mockery, insults, and theatrical performance
✅ Populist nationalism with nostalgic themes

Trump is ultimately a Mussolini-style populist demagogue rather than a Hitler-style ideological fanatic.

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This article was originally published by Becky Romero on February 11, 2025 on SimilarWorlds.

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© 2025. Becky Romero.
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