More like Hitler or Mussolini? Why I labeled Donald Trump years ago as the "American Il Duce."
Trump’s Rhetoric: Closer to Mussolini Than Hitler?
Donald Trump’s public speaking style is characterized by populism, grievance-driven rhetoric, bombast, insults, and personal branding. His speeches and public statements rely heavily on exaggeration, mockery, and an “us vs. them” narrative. While there are some similarities to both Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini, Trump’s approach far more closely resembles Mussolini in terms of delivery, improvisation, and self-promotion, rather than Hitler’s rigid ideological fervor.
Breaking It Down: Rhetorical Similarities & Differences
1. Personalism & Ego-Driven Messaging
Mussolini & Trump: “I Alone Can Fix It”
Mussolini and Trump both centered their political rhetoric around themselves, rather than a broader ideological movement.
Mussolini declared himself the sole architect of Italy’s future:
“I am the state, and the state is me.” “I have given you an empire.”
Trump frequently frames himself as America’s only hope:
“I alone can fix it.” “If we don’t win, you’re not going to have a country anymore.”
Both leaders suggest that without them, their nation will collapse into ruin. This differs from Hitler, who—while intensely egotistical—placed Nazi ideology above himself. Hitler framed himself as a messenger of destiny rather than simply an individual force.
2. Theatrical & Bombastic Delivery
Mussolini & Trump: Over-the-Top Performers
Trump and Mussolini share a similar theatrical delivery, characterized by:
✅ Exaggerated facial expressions (smirking, rolling eyes, puffing out chest) ✅ Dramatic pauses to let the audience react ✅ Broad hand gestures and physical dominance on stage ✅ Mocking opponents through sarcasm and exaggerated tone
Mussolini would often:
Puff out his chest and tilt his chin upward in a dominant stance. Use grand arm movements to appear larger-than-life. Smirk and roll his eyes when dismissing opponents.
Trump does the same:
Uses broad hand gestures, shrugging, and exaggerated movements. Pauses for laughter and applause, encouraging audience engagement. Mimics opponents mockingly, like when he imitated a disabled reporter.
How This Differs from Hitler
Hitler rehearsed his gestures meticulously[b], planning his movements in advance.
[b]His speeches built in intensity[b], designed to reach a crescendo of mass hysteria.
[b]Trump and Mussolini[b] are more improvisational and reactionary rather than disciplined.
3. Mockery, Insults & Nicknames
[b]Trump & Mussolini: Masters of Ridicule[b]
Both leaders [b]rely on personal insults and mockery rather than ideological arguments.
Mussolin:
Mocked enemies for being weak, effeminate, or incompetent.
Hitler also controlled the press but used systematic propaganda, whereas Trump and Mussolini’s attacks on the media are more spontaneous and personal..
6. Scapegoating & Conspiracies
Trump & Hitler: Blaming Others for National Problems
Both use scapegoating to rally support:
Hitler: Blamed Jews and communists.
Trump: Blames immigrants, the “deep state,” and elites.
Both promote conspiracy theories:
Hitler: “Jews control the banks and media.”
Trump: “The election was stolen,” “Deep state is after me.”
This is one area where Trump’s rhetoric is closer to Hitler than Mussolini, though without the genocidal component.
Final Verdict: Trump is More Like Mussolini Than Hitler
While Trump shares some traits with Hitler, particularly scapegoating and conspiracy theories, his rhetoric, delivery, and style are far more aligned with Mussolini:
✅ Improvisational, bombastic speeches ✅ Personal branding and ego-driven messaging ✅ Mockery, insults, and theatrical performance ✅ Populist nationalism with nostalgic themes
Trump is ultimately a Mussolini-style populist demagogue rather than a Hitler-style ideological fanatic.
(c) 2025. Becky Romero. Permission is granted to republish this article in full provided credit is given. Please provide credit and link to: https://similarworlds.com/politics/5223442-More-like-Hitler-or-Mussolini-Why-I-labled-Donald-Trump
Yet to say who I believe he closely resembles would draw too much controversy even by some Democrats. Some do believe in aristocracy and celebrities being better than others.
Trump truly believes himself as better than anyone else.
