Last year, the magazine argued that the Trump administration wasn’t fascist, primarily due to its domestic policies, which lacked key fascist tenets such as centralizing power and societal transformation. Instead, it defunded government agencies and prioritized enriching the president and his wealthy supporters. Recently, the focus has shifted to Trump’s foreign policy actions regarding Greenland, Venezuela, Ukraine, and Iran, with critics labeling them as fascist.
The article contends that fascist foreign policy usually has an ideological framework and exhibits contempt for international institutions, whereas Trump’s approach appears instinctual and lacks coherent ideology. His foreign policy seems driven by personal enrichment and a desire for glory.
Events in Venezuela reveal a self-serving motive, as Trump’s eagerness to regain oil rights reflects a focus on personal interest rather than national security. Similarly, his interest in Greenland aligns more with its economic resources than strategic concerns. Trump’s push for dominance in situations like Ukraine also directs attention towards potential financial gains rather than any patriotic narrative.
Trump’s motivations echo personal vanity. His threats to annex Greenland and associate his actions with yearning for recognition highlight how his aspirations are centered around his legacy, rather than genuine security interests. The article emphasizes that while past fascist leaders framed actions as serving the nation, Trump’s motivations are explicitly personal.
In Iran, Trump justifies military actions lacking congressional approval by pointing to human rights issues, yet simultaneously seeks lucrative deals with aggressors, indicating a self-centered agenda rather than ideological alignment with fascism.
