Mein Trump

History does not repeat itself, but it often rhymes. Observing Donald Trump's communication and persuasion methods, the parallel with Adolf Hitler and other populist leaders becomes strikingly evident. Through simplistic rhetoric, an aggressive tone, and an avalanche of unfounded claims, Trump applies strategies reminiscent of the Nazi dictator. Far from being mere coincidence, this convergence relies on well-known mechanisms of mass manipulation.

The Power of the Slogan: A Binary and Martial Language

One common trait between Trump and Hitler is their ability to hammer home striking slogans, reducing the complexity of political realities to simplistic formulas. Trump popularized "Make America Great Again," a vague appeal to an idealized past. Hitler, on the other hand, promoted the concept of the "Third Reich," meant to restore Germany’s greatness.

Both men also resort to martial language and dehumanizing expressions. During a 2023 campaign speech, Trump declared his intent to "root out the vermin," a chillingly similar formulation to the terms used by Hitler in Mein Kampf and in his speeches to describe his political and ethnic enemies. This rhetoric aims to create a sharp opposition between "us" and "them," justifying all attacks and violence against opponents.

The Illusion of Reasoning and the Flooding of Disinformation

Trump and his strategists, notably Steve Bannon, have embraced a principle well-known among propagandists: overwhelming public debate with an avalanche of statements, even false ones. Bannon referred to this as "flooding the zone with shit," a method that prevents rational discussion by saturating the space with sterile debates.

Hitler and Goebbels, his minister of propaganda, mastered a similar approach. By relentlessly repeating falsehoods (the big lie technique), they ensured that the public would eventually accept them as established facts. Trump applies this strategy by repeatedly claiming that the 2020 election was rigged—without ever providing evidence—but through sheer repetition, persuading part of the population to believe it.

The Tone of the Radical Preacher

Another key element of this rhetoric is the way Trump speaks. His tone often resembles that of radical Islamic political preachers: a mix of exaggeration, exaltation, and calculated aggression. Like populist or extremist religious leaders, he constructs a narrative in which he is the chosen one, the only person capable of saving his people. This messianic posture energizes his supporters while ostracizing those who oppose him.

The Rejection of Elites and the Glorification of the People

Like Hitler, who constantly denounced corrupt elites (Jews, intellectuals, bankers), Trump has turned liberal elites, the media, and institutions into ideal scapegoats. He presents himself as the defender of the "real people" against supposed enemies conspiring in the shadows. This simplistic divide between "pure people" and "corrupt elite" serves to justify all attacks on democratic institutions.

Conclusion: A Very Real Threat

Comparing Trump to Hitler does not mean asserting that he will follow the exact same path, but it is crucial to identify the mechanisms behind his communication and power. By playing on the same emotional levers, using divisive rhetoric, and rejecting rational discourse, Trump aligns himself with a dangerous populist tradition. History has already shown us where this can lead.