One in the same? You be the judge.
Political Outsiders: Both Trump and Hitler were considered outsiders in their respective political systems. In 1932, Hitler's Nazi party was a relatively new political force in Germany, while Trump had never held political office before his election in 2016.
Populist Appeals: Both Trump and Hitler were known for their populist appeals to the masses. They both positioned themselves as champions of the common people and spoke out against the political elite.
Nationalistic Rhetoric: Both men used nationalistic rhetoric in their speeches and emphasized the importance of their respective nations.
Economic Hardship: In 1932, Germany was in the midst of an economic depression, and Trump's election in 2016 was fueled in part by a similar sense of economic frustration in the United States.
Anti-Immigrant Sentiment: Both Trump and Hitler were associated with anti-immigrant sentiment. In the 1930s, Hitler and the Nazi party blamed Jews for many of Germany's problems, while Trump's campaign rhetoric in 2016 included calls for a border wall and restrictions on immigration.
Use of Propaganda: Both Trump and Hitler have been accused of using propaganda to manipulate public opinion and control the narrative. Hitler was known for his use of propaganda films and speeches, while Trump has been accused of using social media to spread his message.
Cult of Personality: Both Trump and Hitler had a strong cult of personality built around them. Hitler was seen as a larger-than-life figure by many of his supporters, while Trump's supporters often describe him as a strong and decisive leader who is not afraid to speak his mind.
Popularity Among Certain Groups: Both Trump and Hitler were popular among certain groups, but controversial and divisive among others. In the 1930s, Hitler's Nazi party was popular among some Germans who felt disenfranchised by the political system, while Trump's base of supporters in the United States includes many who feel similarly disaffected by the political establishment.
Charisma and Oratory Skills: Both Trump and Hitler were known for their charisma and oratory skills. They had the ability to captivate audiences with their speeches and were able to rally their supporters around their messages.
Use of Symbols: Both Trump and Hitler used symbols as a way to convey their messages and build loyalty among their followers. For example, Hitler used the swastika as a symbol of the Nazi party, while Trump often used the phrase "Make America Great Again" as a rallying cry for his supporters.
Controversial Policies: Both Trump and Hitler have been associated with controversial policies that have been criticized for being discriminatory or harmful to certain groups. For example, Hitler's policies included the persecution of Jews and other minority groups, while Trump's policies have included the travel ban on predominantly Muslim countries and the separation of families at the border.
Polarizing Figures: Both Trump and Hitler were polarizing figures who drew strong reactions from both supporters and opponents. Their leadership styles and policies have been the subject of intense debate and controversy.
Authoritarian Tendencies: Both Trump and Hitler have been accused of displaying authoritarian tendencies. Hitler famously dismantled democracy in Germany, while Trump has been accused of undermining democratic institutions and norms during his time in office.
Appeal to National Pride: Both Trump and Hitler have appealed to a sense of national pride in their followers. Hitler used the slogan "Deutschland Über Alles" (Germany Above All) to appeal to the German people, while Trump has used similar rhetoric to appeal to American pride.
Anti-Intellectualism: Both Trump and Hitler have been accused of promoting anti-intellectualism. Hitler famously attacked "Jewish intellectualism" in his speeches, while Trump has been accused of promoting conspiracy theories and rejecting established scientific consensus.
Use of Scapegoats: Both Trump and Hitler have been associated with using scapegoats to deflect blame and rally support. Hitler blamed Jews for Germany's problems, while Trump has blamed immigrants and other minority groups for issues in the United States.
Cultivation of a Victim Mentality: Both Trump and Hitler have been associated with cultivating a victim mentality among their followers. Hitler claimed that Germany had been unfairly treated in the Treaty of Versailles after World War I, while Trump has suggested that the United States has been taken advantage of by other countries in trade deals and international agreements.
Emphasis on Law and Order: Both Trump and Hitler have emphasized the importance of law and order in their messages. Hitler promised to restore order in Germany after a period of political turmoil, while Trump has emphasized the need to crack down on crime and immigration in the United States.
Attacking the Media: Both Trump and Hitler have attacked the media as a way to control the narrative and deflect criticism. Hitler famously controlled the media in Nazi Germany, while Trump has referred to the media as "fake news" and "the enemy of the people."
Use of Fear: Both Trump and Hitler have used fear as a way to rally support and control their followers. Hitler used fear of Communism and the threat of Jewish influence to gain support, while Trump has used fear of immigration and terrorism to rally his base.