The article expresses deep concern about the rise of fascism in the United States under the Trump administration. The author, Siri Hustvedt, shares personal anecdotes and observations, noting a climate of fear and the suppression of dissent. Specific instances are cited, such as Columbia University's capitulation to government demands and the censorship of language.
Hustvedt criticizes the mainstream media's approach to reporting on the Trump administration, accusing them of 'sanewashing' – softening the rhetoric of the far-right to maintain access to power. The comparison to Nazi propaganda is made, highlighting the repetition and amplification of divisive messages in right-wing media.
The article details numerous authoritarian tactics employed by the government, including:
These tactics are analyzed in the context of historical fascist movements, drawing parallels between the current situation and past events.
Despite the growing fear, Hustvedt emphasizes the importance of resistance and the power of language in democratic action. She highlights the collective action of groups such as Writers Against Trump (now Writers for Democratic Action), emphasizing that words are a form of action. The article concludes with a call for continued public opposition to counter the spread of authoritarianism.