Аннотация: Donald Trump has been called an "authoritarian" ruler, a "fascist on the throne", a "king on the throne", etc. Is this true?
In the annals of modern political history, few figures have stirred as much fascination, controversy, and polarization as Donald John Trump, the 45th and 47th President of the United States. His two non-consecutive terms (2017-2021 and 2025-present) have reshaped the American political landscape, giving rise to a phenomenon broadly termed "Trumpism"-a blend of populist rhetoric, economic nationalism, and a direct, often confrontational leadership style. To understand Trump"s impact, one must not only examine his policies and challenges but also situate his persona within the broader tapestry of historical leadership archetypes. Is Trump an authoritarian "king on the throne," as critics often claim, or does his style reflect a uniquely American response to contemporary challenges? By comparing Trumpism to historical models of leadership - Caesarism, Caudillismo, and Führerism - this essay explores the essence of Trump"s political ideology, his key decisions, and the debates surrounding his alleged authoritarianism. With a sympathetic yet critical lens, we weigh three arguments supporting the view of Trump as an authoritarian figure and three counterarguments that challenge this perception, grounding the analysis in historical and contemporary sources.
Key Ideas of Trumpism Across Two Presidencies
Trumpism, as a political and cultural movement, is characterized by a rejection of traditional political norms, an emphasis on national sovereignty, and a direct appeal to the "forgotten" working-class Americans. During his first term (2017-2021), Trump"s key ideas included economic protectionism, immigration reform, and a foreign policy rooted in "America First." His administration imposed tariffs on China to address trade imbalances, withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement to prioritize domestic energy interests, and recognized Jerusalem as Israel"s capital, a move that solidified his support among pro-Israel voters (Cialone 2025: 15-17). The construction of a border wall with Mexico became a symbolic centerpiece of his immigration policy, reflecting his commitment to curbing illegal immigration. These decisions were framed as efforts to restore American greatness, resonating with supporters who felt alienated by globalization and elite institutions.
In his second term (2025 - present), Trump has doubled down on these themes while introducing new priorities, such as energy independence and combating "woke" cultural trends. His administration has pushed for deregulation to boost domestic industries and has continued to challenge international trade agreements perceived as unfavorable to U.S. However, challenges persist, including managing inflation, addressing geopolitical tensions with China and Russia, and navigating domestic polarization over issues like election integrity and media trust. Trump"s ability to govern effectively in his second term hinges on balancing his populist base with the complexities of a divided nation, a task complicated by ongoing legal battles and media scrutiny (Munich Security Report 2025).
Major Decisions and Challenges
Trump"s first term was marked by bold decisions that both galvanized supporters and provoked opposition. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 reduced corporate and individual tax rates, aiming to stimulate economic growth, though critics argued it disproportionately benefited the wealthy (Equitable Growth 2023). His appointment of three Supreme Court justices reshaped the judiciary, cementing a conservative legacy that continues to influence American law. However, challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in his administration"s crisis management, with critics citing inconsistent messaging and delays in federal response.
Comparing Trumpism to Caesarism, Führerism and Caudillismo
To assess whether Trump embodies an authoritarian "king on the throne," we can compare his leadership to historical archetypes:
Caesarism: Derived from Julius Caesar"s consolidation of power in ancient Rome, Caesarism describes a charismatic leader who bypasses institutional norms to appeal directly to the masses. Trump"s use of social media, particularly X, to communicate directly with supporters mirrors this approach, circumventing traditional media gatekeepers (UCL 2025). Like Caesar, Trump thrives on spectacle and personal loyalty, but his adherence to constitutional checks such as accepting the 2020 election loss distinguishes him from a true Caesarist dictator.
Führerism: This term, associated with Adolf Hitler"s totalitarian regime, implies absolute control and ideological conformity. Trump"s rhetoric, while polarizing, lacks the ideological rigidity and state-controlled mechanisms of Führerism. Trump`s policies reflect pragmatism rather than a monolithic worldview, and his administration has not pursued the systematic oppression characteristic of such regimes (Kershaw 2008).
Caudillismo: Rooted in Latin American history, Caudillismo refers to strongman leadership reliant on personal charisma and regional power bases. Trump"s appeal to rural and working-class voters, combined with his outsider persona, resembles the caudillo"s populist style. However, unlike caudillos, who often ruled through military force, Trump operates within a democratic framework, relying on electoral support rather than coercion.
Is Trump an Authoritarian "King on the Throne"?
Arguments Supporting Authoritarianism:
Centralized Decision-Making: Trump"s leadership style emphasizes personal control, often sidelining advisors or institutions. His direct interventions in policy, such as issuing executive orders on immigration, suggest an authoritarian tendency to prioritize his vision over bureaucratic processes.
Rhetorical Attacks on Institutions: Trump"s criticism of the media, judiciary, and electoral systems as "rigged" or "corrupt" undermines democratic norms, fostering perceptions of authoritarianism.
Cult of Personality: Trump"s reliance on personal loyalty, evidenced by his influence over the Republican Party and his ability to mobilize supporters through rallies, mirrors authoritarian leaders who cultivate a cult-like following.
Arguments Against Authoritarianism:
Adherence to Democratic Processes: Despite his rhetoric, Trump has operated within constitutional boundaries, participating in elections and leaving office after his 2020 defeat, unlike authoritarian leaders who cling to power.
Decentralized Power Structure: The U.S. system of checks and balances, including an independent judiciary and Congress, limits Trump"s ability to act unilaterally, distinguishing him from true autocrats.
Populist, Not Totalitarian: Trump"s policies reflect populist priorities rather than a totalitarian agenda. His focus on economic nationalism and cultural issues appeals to specific constituencies rather than enforcing universal ideological conformity.
Conclusion
Donald Trump"s leadership, encapsulated in Trumpism, blends populist fervor, economic nationalism, and a direct communication style that has redefined American politics. His major decisions-tax reforms, judicial appointments, and pro-Israel policies-reflect a pragmatic yet polarizing approach, while challenges like economic instability and domestic division test his governance. Comparisons to Caesarism, Caudillismo, and Führerism highlight Trump"s charismatic and populist tendencies but also underscore his operation within democratic constraints. While some view him as an authoritarian "king on the throne" due to his centralized style and rhetoric, others see him as a product of American democracy"s pluralistic nature. The truth likely lies in a nuanced middle ground: Trump is a transformative figure whose style challenges norms but stops short of autocracy.
References
Cialone, C. (2025). The impact of Trump"s victory in Italy. America First 2.0: The New Trump Administration and the Next Four Years, 1(1), 15-21.
Kershaw, I. (2008). Hitler: A biography. W. W. Norton & Company.
Munich Security Report. (2025). https://securityconference.org/assets/02_Dokumente/01_Publikationen/2025/MSR_2025/Multipolarization_%E2%80%93_Munich_Security_Report_2025.pdf
Equitable Growth. (2023). https://equitablegrowth.org/six-years-later-more-evidence-shows-the-tax-cuts-and-jobs-act-benefits-u-s-business-owners-and-executives-not-average-workers/
UCL Press News & Views. (2025). https://uclpress.co.uk/trumps-ascent-via-twitter/