Donald Trump is exceptional–exceptionally bad

I hate to say this, but Donald Trump is exceptional. We have made him that way. 

Look around you. We live in a world where people spend their lives seeking ‘likes’ and heart emojis, as well as followers, hits, and views. Your favorite star’s latest claim to ‘exceptionalism’ may be their last TikTok of a beautiful, what we call a supermodel, spreading mayo on sandwich bread while kissing her latest boyfriend. 

Sadly, more people are paying attention to the sandwich and the supermodel’s tits than to the fact that Israel is trying to make the Palestinians disappear.    

Then, in November of 2016, this crazy country elected an even crazier president (crazy as a fox) who had no idea what he was doing, but who exemplified that Facebook, Twitter-world, turned TikTok and more. Glitter ruled, and hard facts were only alternatively true, whatever that means.

And yes, in July 2025, I can assuredly say that Donald Trump has become exceptional. He will go down in history, sadly. Some compare him to the little guy with the funny mustache and a ‘Heil’ before his name. I liken him to a Mussolini, the man who founded Italian fascism. 

Now in his second term, an organized Trump has helped to found U.S. fascism. And it ain’t pretty.

Here are but a few of Trump’s tendencies commonly associated with fascism:

1. Authoritarianism and Power Centralization

• Trump repeatedly challenges institutional checks and balances, including the judiciary, the press, and even the results of elections.
• He has openly expressed admiration for authoritarian leaders like Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong-un, and Viktor Orbán.
• He refused to commit to a peaceful transfer of power in 2020 and encouraged attempts to overturn the results of a democratic election.

2. Cult of Personality

• Trump’s political appeal is heavily centered on his charisma and image, rather than his policy or party ideology.
• His supporters often treat him as an infallible leader, echoing how fascist movements elevate the leader as a quasi-messianic figure.

3. Nationalism and Xenophobia

• “America First” echoes nationalist slogans and policies that prioritize a mythologized version of the nation.
• He frequently uses dehumanizing language about immigrants, refugees, and foreigners (e.g., calling Mexican immigrants “rapists” and banning Muslims from entering the U.S.).
• He promotes a nativist view of American identity, linked to race and religion.

4. Disdain for Democratic Norms

• Trump frequently undermines the legitimacy of the press (“enemy of the people”), elections (“rigged”), and political opposition (“lock her up”).
• He has encouraged political violence directly and indirectly, such as on January 6, 2021.

5. Law-and-Order Politics

• Advocated for violent suppression of protests (e.g., calling for the military to be used against Black Lives Matter demonstrators).
• Positioned himself as the only person who could restore order and greatness to the country.

6. Propaganda and Disinformation

• Spread false information systematically, often to confuse or manipulate public opinion (e.g., lies about COVID-19, election fraud, etc.).
• Promotes alternative facts and attacks objective truth—a hallmark of fascist political strategy.

So I go back to the beginning and restate what I started with. Trump has become exceptional. In his case, though, he is evil, for the reasons above. So he is truly exceptionally bad…

And yet, as we dig our graves to satisfy this monster we call a president, from the Supreme Court to Congress on down, we bow to his wishes as he not-so-slowly destroys this country. We have become more interested in that last TikTok, or the “like” on Facebook we all crave, or what is happening with the Kardashians. And all the while we ignore what is happening here in this country. Because it’s no longer just Trump we should worry about. Check out your local commissions, school boards, and sheriff’s offices, for example. They all seem to be goose-stepping to MAGA’s tune.  

God help us.