Last Updated on November 22, 2025 by Serena Zehlius, Editor
In a world that often feels like a rollercoaster ride of political upheaval, it’s intriguing—and a bit terrifying—to consider how fascism could creep into a democratic society. While many Americans may scoff at the notion, history teaches us that the signs of fascism can be subtle, and awareness is key.
- 10 signs of fascism
- 1. Over-the-Top Nationalism
- 2. Scapegoating Minorities
- 3. Censorship of Media
- 4. Cult of Personality
- 5. Erosion of Civil Rights
- 6. Militarization of Society
- 7. Conspiracy Theories Run Wild
- 8. Environmental Neglect
- 9. Disregard for International Relations
- 10. Resurgence of Old Ideologies
- FAQs
Political analysts are raising the alarm as President Trump moves in an authoritarian direction.
This post takes a satirical look at ten warning signs of fascism (Because taking it too seriously in this moment could cause people to feel hopeless).
As this article is updated in October, 2025, there are two things that stand out: How quickly we’ve gotten closer to living in an authoritarian country, and how the warnings about things that might happen already have.
Buckle up as we go through the list of alarmingly relatable scenarios.
10 signs of fascism
1. Over-the-Top Nationalism
Flags Everywhere
Picture this: you step outside, and it’s like you’re in a flag factory explosion. From flags on cars to giant banners taking over every inch of public space, you might start to wonder if you’re living in a nationalistic painting gone wrong. When patriotism becomes overzealous, it often signals that a fascist is in power, with a noticeable shift toward an authoritarian mindset.
Suddenly there are American flags everywhere—in front of every home and business, bumper stickers, on t-shirts and baseball caps—you’ve even seen flags tattooed on the faces of extremely patriotic men who say “Merica!” a lot.
The excessive display of national symbols creates an atmosphere where questioning the government’s motives is akin to treason.
This excessive display of national symbols can create an atmosphere where questioning the government’s motives is akin to treason. It’s not just about love for your country; it’s about an enforced collective identity.
Imagine an even more disturbing scenario where the dismantling of democracy results in our beloved flag—with the iconic red, white, and blue stars and stripes—is replaced by a flag with the President’s name and/or face on it.
It’s difficult to even imagine the American flag being replaced by a flag with a president’s face on it because that is just way too extreme. 🙄
Knock knock.
Who’s there?
Reality.
Constant Patriotic Propaganda
As if the flags weren’t enough, imagine a world where every channel on your television is replaced by round-the-clock patriotism. National pride morphs into a constant stream of propaganda, filled with slogans that drown out dissent: “Make America Great Again,” “Make America Healthy Again,” “Make America Affordable Again.”
Every news channel now plays a Fox News host praising the President and demonizing anyone who is brown, homeless, poor, gay, a Democrat, or here from another country. There are only a few “news” anchors left, so we’re stuck watching Sean Hannity, Jesse Watters, or what’s-her-face… Laura Ingraham.
There’s also a reality show hosted by Pete Hegseth called The Warrior Ethos and a channel called ICETV that streams videos 24/7 of ICE agents harassing and detaining people.
ICE is now the President’s personal militarized police force.
Patriotic Products
If you’ve ever listened to conservative radio, you’ve probably heard commercials for “Patriot Mobile,” “Patriot Supply,” or “Freedom Water.” The names of the most frequently advertised products and services contain at least one word related to nationalism: patriot, liberty, freedom, etc.
2. Scapegoating Minorities
Blaming Immigrants for everything
In times of turmoil, it’s all too easy to find a scapegoat. Sadly, immigrants often bear the brunt of this blame, becoming a convenient target for a regime looking to consolidate power.
This tactic not only distracts from important issues but also creates a toxic environment where hatred and division flourish.
If you find politicians claiming that every societal ill is the fault of immigrants, it’s a huge red flag.
Creating Us vs Them Narratives
The dichotomy of ‘us’ versus ‘them’ becomes a pervasive narrative in the media and political discourse. This simplistic mentality discourages empathy and understanding, framing societal issues as a battle between good patriots and dangerous, “woke” outsiders.
It’s a classic move in the fascist playbook that serves to unify a base by fostering animosity toward a conveniently defined enemy.
Republicans and the conservative media have mastered this move with constant attacks on immigrants, drag queens, transgender youth, or people on the Left in general. They continuously demonize “others” and fearmonger over issues that involve 0.001% of the population—if the issues even exist at all (trans people in women’s sports is popular right now).
They’ll often conclude that the actions of a Democratic government are signs of fascism, or one of their other buzzwords: Marxism or communism.
Mass Deportation
President Trump appointed Tom Homan as his Border Czar to carry out the Mass Deportation plans. While Stephen Miller is the evil mind behind it, Homan is leading the charge.
ICE detention centers have been built throughout the country. One of them, called Alligator Alcatraz , got a lot of attention in the media. People have taken photos of themselves standing next to the sign, and the Attorney General of Florida runs an online store selling Alligator Alcatraz merchandise.
We recently began hearing about the inhumane treatment and horrible conditions at these facilities through the press. Immigrants have died in custody after they were denied medical care. There are too many recent developments and horror stories to get into here, but you can find all of the horror stories in our Immigration Topic Hub.
There have been multiple instances of people being deported without due process. The U.S. Constitution gives everyone, including immigrants who are here illegally, a right to due process (the legal term is habeas corpus).
The erosion of Constitutional rights is one of the most serious signs of fascism—a warning that the American way of life, the shining city on a hill, our democracy, is being destroyed.
The Chosen One
It’s not merely about admiration; it’s a means of control.
Remember the gold statue of Trump that was wheeled out during the Republican Convention a few years ago? There are Trump meme coins, t-shirts, hats, pins, flags, etc. Name any product, and you can find one with his face on it.
The claim that someone is “the chosen one” is a flashing red, blaring alarm among all of the signs of fascism.
In his first term, long before the attempt on his life, it was common to hear folks on the Right say that Trump “was chosen by God.”
3. Censorship of Media
News Outlets Shutting Down
When dissenting voices in the media start disappearing like socks in a dryer, you should be alarmed. Censorship involves more than just limiting what people can say; it extends to silencing institutions that challenge the status quo. A media ecosystem dominated by propaganda and devoid of criticism is one of the telltale signs of fascism.
The destruction of a free press is a clear indication that democracy is in danger.
How many lawsuits have media outlets now settled with President Trump? He frequently suggests outlets lose their broadcast license or be “investigated” for the “horrible crime” of reporting something negative about him or his administration. His speech at the DOJ was especially chilling and overtly authoritarian.
Recently, the FCC Chair was a guest on Benny Johnson’s podcast. He basically said—publicly—that ABC needed to fire Jimmy Kimmel or the network could face fines or lose their FCC license. What was just a threat when this article was first written in 2024, is now a reality in 2025.
Government-Approved News Only
In a country without a free press, critical thinking may take a backseat to blind loyalty. The government’s achievements are glorified while failures are swept under the rug (“Signalgate”), enabling a culture of ignorance where questioning authority is a dangerous game.
Should you ever find yourself watching a news segment that feels less like journalism and more like a state-sponsored infomercial, you’ll know we’ve crossed a line.
When only government-approved news is circulating, it becomes impossible to hold leaders accountable, allowing for unchecked power, signs of fascism becoming more evident, and the erosion of democratic liberties.
4. Cult of Personality
Leader’s Face on Everything
This phenomenon, known as a cult of personality, centers around glorifying a leader to an almost god-like status. The new White House “faith leader” said, “To say no to President Trump would be to say no to God.”
Suddenly, it’s not just the flags that are omnipresent. The face of the leader adorns everything from public buildings to cereal boxes.
Exaggerated Praise and Loyalty Demands
In a fascist regime, loyalty becomes a currency. The coverage of President Trump’s cabinet meetings in his first term drew remarks that they were akin to North Korean state media. The cabinet members would take turns praising and thanking the President. The same thing is happening again in his second term.
At the last cabinet meeting, they went around the table as each cabinet member heaped praise and compliments on “Dear Leader.” Even MAGA was disgusted by it. Ann Coulter posted about the meeting on X:
Citizens may be subjected to mandatory displays of adoration, whether through public rallies or state-sanctioned events. These rituals serve to reinforce the leader’s image and suppress dissent, creating a culture where blind loyalty is not only expected but required. Anyone caught expressing skepticism may find themselves marginalized… or worse.
The members of Trump’s cabinet weren’t picked based on experience or competence. Project 2025 created a database of people loyal to Donald Trump who were vetted by the Heritage Foundation to provide the President with federal workers who could take the place of those who are fired for not being loyal enough. The massive firings and layoffs by DOGE were the beginning of a plan that ended being too difficult and expensive to carry out.
Instead, Trump focused on replacing people higher up inside the departments he wants to control.
5. Erosion of Civil Rights
Police State Tactics
Picture this: every street corner resembles a scene from a dystopian novel, with police presence amplified to levels that would make Orwell roll in his grave. The fear of repercussion looms large, stifling freedom of expression.
When Attorney General Pam Bondi took her position at the DOJ, one of her first moves was to get rid of any department that investigates corruption, kleptocracies, or civil rights.
In a society where civil liberties are on the chopping block, police state tactics come into play, including excessive surveillance and intimidation used to silence opposition.
ICE ended up being used as the President’s own special police force in addition to carrying out mass deportation policies.
Restrictions on Free Speech
Free speech is a cornerstone of democracy, but in a fascist regime, that cornerstone starts to crumble. When individuals are afraid to voice their opinions for fear of legal repercussions, society loses its ability to self-correct, leading to a dangerous cycle of oppression.
Laws and regulations designed to suppress dissent can transform public discourse.
We saw the crackdown on free speech when college students like Mahmoud Khalil and Rümeysa Oztürk were arrested and locked up in detention centers—not because they committed a crime—but because of what they said/wrote.
Marco Rubio took the position of Head of Thought Police.
Multiple young people in the country on student visas have been arrested and threatened with deportation for their involvement in campus protests. Many of the cases are still making their way through the courts. Ozturk was released on a judge’s order today, after spending 6 weeks in a detention center.
6. Militarization of Society
Military Parades
Imagine waking up one day to find that military parades are now a regular occurrence in your town.
Military parades serve as a reminder of power and control rather than celebration, creating an atmosphere where citizens are conditioned to accept an overwhelming military presence.
What was once a rarity becomes an instrumental part of civic life, showcasing not just strength but a terrifying normalization of militarism.
Trump held a military parade for his birthday (though he claimed it was a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States). The parade (which ended up being a flop—no one showed up and the President fell asleep watching it) is something he wanted ever since he visited North Korea during the first Trump presidency.
Armed Forces in Everyday Life
The embedding of armed forces into the fabric of everyday life leads to a society where the military is not only present but revered. This blurring of lines between civilian life and military control can shift public perception, allowing for the gradual acceptance of authoritarian governance.
Trump signed an executive order to have the military assist in domestic policing matters. He requested Pam Bondi and Pete Hegseth organize to make that happen.
When soldiers begin to feel more like neighbors than protectors, it’s a chilling sign.
Update: In October of 2025, we are well past military in the streets as a “possibility.” National Guard troops, FBI, DEA, ICE, and local police are all in Washington, D.C. to help with “out of control crime.”
Several governors of red states sent their National Guard troops to D.C. as well.
The National Guard and active duty Marines were already in Los Angeles (and are still there). There are plans to send troops to Memphis and Chicago among other cities the administration claims “have a problem with crime.”
President Trump is sending troops to Portland, Oregon after a protest outside an ICE detention center got a little rowdy. He posted on Truth Social, announcing the deployment, calling Portland “war-ravaged” and revealing how he authorized the military’s use of “full force” against Americans.
President Trump and Pete Hegseth ordered every General and Admiral to leave their post and travel to Virginia recently. Some of them were stationed at posts located in other parts of the world. They traveled all the way to Virginia just to sit through several hours of Hegseth and Trump saying the most unhinged, bonkers, and sometimes embarrassing things to these respected professionals.
Pete Hegseth lectured them on “wokeness,” he attacked “fat soldiers,” women in the military, and declared new grooming standards that require men to cut their hair and shave off their beards. Being apolitical, the audience full of military leaders was eerily silent throughout the speech (as they’re supposed to be).
It was awkward.
President Trump then spoke for 2 hours in a gravelly voice, exhibiting super low-energy, and speaking with a very slow, measured cadence.
The most shocking part of his speech was when he declared that the threat to our country wasn’t from foreign enemies, it was “enemies” that are “invading from within.”
He suggested the military use American cities as military “training grounds,” declared war on the Left, and announced plans to deploy the military to cities throughout the country with authorization from the Commander in Chief to use full force against American citizens.
No one imagined our military would ever be turned against Americans. Yet, we’re here.
7. Conspiracy Theories Run Wild
Conspiracy theories often fill the void created by misinformation and fear. A leader might exploit these theories, blaming the so-called “elite” for all of society’s issues, creating a narrative that distracts from their own failings.
This manipulation can lead to widespread paranoia, where the public becomes willing to believe the most outlandish claims, as long as those claims reinforce their biases.
A perfect example of this: the 56% of Republican voters who believe Democrats are a “Satanic cabal that tortures children, kills them, and drinks their blood for the adrenochrome it contains.” There’s a theory that a dungeon under the Capitol is full of children for this purpose. There are even Hollywood celebrities, like Tom Hanks, involved.
In a Forbes survey, 56% of Republican voters indicated they believe it to be true or partly true. That is terrifying. Before Trump became President in 2016, the average American would have laughed at anyone making such an outlandish claim.
The fact that such a large swath of the Republican base believes such a crazy conspiracy theory made it much easier for Republican politicians to convince voters that Trump won the 2020 election and January 6th was not at all what they had actually witnessed with their own eyes.
Q’Anon is an excellent example of people becoming radicalized by conspiracy theories. Donald Trump has always been a big believer in them and has spread his share of original conspiracy theories—Obama birtherism and the many voter fraud claims he made after the 2020 election that were debunked.
Blaming the Elite for Everything
Democrats in Congress are considered part of the “elites.” While President Trump himself is a billionaire, along with almost every member of his cabinet, their voters don’t consider them as part of the “elites.” In this context, the term refers to the Fox News version of “elite”: People on the Left who are college-educated.
One specific theory was that Hillary Clinton had removed a child’s face after drinking the adrenochrome-rich blood and wore the skin on her own face for its “anti-aging properties.’
“Alternative Facts” Spread Like Wildfire
In a world where facts are subjective, the term “alternative facts” becomes a dangerous weapon. This manipulation of truth allows those in power to spin narratives that favor their agenda, creating a society where misinformation thrives, and logic takes a backseat to fervor.
Elon Musk uses X to spread misinformation and conspiracy theories. Donald Trump uses Truth Social to spew his lies, and conservative media outlets simply amplify them.
When citizens cannot discern reality from fiction, the door swings wide open for authoritarianism to take root.
During a recent focus group podcast, people were asked for their thoughts on the Kilmar Obrego Garcia case. Many of them said the same thing, “I don’t know what to believe,” citing how some news outlets call him a “Maryland father,” while Fox News and conservative media refer to him an an “MS-13 gang member” and “wife-beater,” (both descriptions used by the Trump administration in defense of mistakenly deporting him to El Salvador).
8. Environmental Neglect
Ignoring Climate Change
As the world grapples with environmental crises, a fascist regime might choose to ignore the evidence, prioritizing short-term gain over long-term sustainability.
This negligence not only jeopardizes the planet but reveals a chilling disregard for the welfare of future generations. If decisions are made that blatantly contradict scientific consensus, it signals a troubling shift in priorities.
President Biden was labeled America’s first “climate president” with his many policies and regulations combatting climate change and support of renewable energy projects during his term. President Trump immediately reversed all of the progress our country made addressing the climate crisis when he returned to the White House in January, 2025.
Natural Resources Exploited
The exploitation of natural resources often accelerates under authoritarian regimes.
Unbridled capitalism can lead to rampant destruction of the environment, as profit is placed above the planet. When policy decisions prioritize immediate economic benefits over ecological health, it casts a shadow over democracy’s ability to advocate for the common good.
“Drill, baby, dill” was a phrase Trump used consistently throughout his 2024 campaign and he followed through with that promise. He has allowed drilling on protected lands and championed the return of coal miners.
The Republicans are currently working to sell federal lands to oil and gas companies as part of an attempt to come up with money to offset the $5 trillion in tax cuts for the rich.
9. Disregard for International Relations
Pulling Out of Global Agreements
Exiting international treaties and agreements signals a troubling shift toward isolationism and the destruction of our democracy.
This is obvious with President Trump. He pulled us out of WHO and the Paris Climate Agreement. He has always railed against the United Nations. His tariffs destroyed many trade agreements, including one with with our largest trading partners—Mexico and Canada—that he himself negotiated during his first term.
This withdrawal from global cooperation undermines diplomatic relations and can lead to increased tension with other nations. When a leader prioritizes nationalism over global responsibility, it sets a dangerous precedent, risking not just international relationships but global stability.
Making Enemies With Allies
A calculated estrangement from allies can create a vacuum that empowers hostile entities. This tactic not only disrupts established alliances but also creates uncertainty, making citizens question the integrity of their government on the global stage.
We don’t need to look any further than Canada, Ukraine, Europe, Greenland, and Panama to see how badly Trump has treated our allies and trading partners.
His treatment of the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shocked the nation and our allies around the world. The attack on Zelenskyy by President Trump and Vice President JD Vance in the Oval Office left many people around the world in shock.
10. Resurgence of Old Ideologies
Revival of Past Oppressive Practices
History has a way of repeating itself, and a fascist regime might resurrect old ideologies that many thought were long buried. From discriminatory policies to oppressive social norms, the revival of these practices can feel like a disturbing déjà vu.
When society begins to embrace ideologies that were once condemned, it raises critical alarms about the state of democracy as one of the telltale signs of fascism.
Examples of old ideologies coming back right now include: Abortion rights being stripped away, attacks on universities and law firms, the threats to end same-sex marriage, anti-DEI policies, ending civil rights departments in government agencies, use of the Alien Enemies Act, Republican legislatures’ attempts to lift regulations on child labor—the list goes on.
Romanticizing Historical Authoritarian Figures
As if the revival of old practices wasn’t enough, some leaders may start to idolize past authoritarian figures, painting them as misunderstood heroes.
This glorification can turn dangerous, as it reshapes public perception of what constitutes good governance.
When the past is romanticized, the lessons learned can be easily forgotten, paving the way for a repeat of history’s dark chapters.
Donald Trump’s ex-wife told her lawyer that Trump kept a copy of Mein Kampf on his nightstand. He used Hitler’s own words when he talked about immigrants “poisoning the blood of our country” during rally speeches. It’s easy to see how much he loves dictators in the present as well..
While the notion of fascism taking root in America may seem far-fetched, history reminds us that vigilance is critical to stop the destruction of democracy.
The early warning signs of fascism may be subtle at first, often masked by nationalism, scapegoating, and a barrage of propaganda. By recognizing these warning signs, we can better protect our democracy from slipping into authoritarianism.
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FAQs
What are the major signs of fascism in a democracy?
Major signs include rampant nationalism, scapegoating of minorities, media censorship, a cult of personality around a leader, erosion of civil rights, militarization of society, proliferation of conspiracy theories, environmental neglect, disregard for international relations, and a resurgence of old ideologies.
How can citizens resist the rise of fascism?
Citizens can resist by staying informed, advocating for civil liberties, supporting independent media, fostering community discussions, and actively participating in democratic processes, such as voting and engaging in peaceful protests.
Is nationalism always a bad thing?
Nationalism in moderation can foster a sense of identity and community. However, when taken to extremes, it can lead to exclusion, discrimination, and the erosion of democratic values.
What role does the media play in preventing authoritarianism?
The media serves as a watchdog, holding those in power accountable. Responsible journalism can expose wrongdoing, promote transparency, and inform the public, ensuring that democracy thrives.
Why is it important to learn from history?
Learning from history helps us recognize patterns and avoid the mistakes of the past. Understanding the conditions that led to authoritarianism can empower citizens to protect democratic principles and values.
