What Is an Autocrat?

 

What is an Autocrat?

Frank Austad

Webster's dictionary defines an Autocrat as an “…absolute ruler, especially a monarch who holds and exercises the powers of government as by inherent right, not subject to restrictions.” You may find this last phrase troubling when viewed in the light of our former president and current political opponent to Kamala Harris.

The term can be ascribed to Donald Trump, who likes to describe people who oppose him politically as “… the enemy within …” vowing to arrest and jail those who disagreed with him, to the extent of sending the U.S. military or the National Guard to disperse crowds of protesters.

Donald Trump has often been labeled a potential autocrat due to several behaviors and actions that raise concerns about his commitment to democratic principles. These are some of the key factors that contribute to this perception:

1. Disregard for the Rule of Law

Longtime Republican Politician and recent Harris–Walz supporter, Liz Cheney said in a recent interview that Donald Trump “… would take steps very quickly that would unravel the rule of law,” 

Trump has frequently criticized judges and courts, particularly when rulings did not go in his favor. He often labeled judges as "Obama judges" or attacked individual judges’ integrity, undermining the perception of an independent judiciary, a cornerstone of democracy.

Trump used executive orders to bypass Congress on various issues, from immigration to environmental regulations. While executive orders are not inherently autocratic, using them excessively or in ways that undermine legislative processes can erode checks and balances.

2. Undermining Elections

Trump consistently spread misinformation about the 2020 election results, falsely claiming widespread fraud without credible evidence. This culminated in attempts to delegitimize the results, such as pressuring officials to "find" votes and filing numerous lawsuits, many of which were dismissed.

One of the most critical norms in a democracy is the peaceful transfer of power. Trump’s repeated refusal to commit to this principle, coupled with his behavior after losing the 2020 election, including the January 6th Capitol attack, exemplifies anti-democratic behavior.

3. Attacks on the Press

Trump frequently labeled the media as “fake news” and an “enemy of the people.” This type of rhetoric mirrors tactics used by autocrats to delegitimize independent media, weakening one of democracy’s essential institutions that holds power accountable.

His administration sometimes denied access to critical media outlets, encouraging violence against journalists and undermining press freedom.

4. Use of Personal Loyalty Over Institutions

Trump has often demanded personal loyalty from officials in law enforcement, intelligence, and other government institutions. He fired or sidelined officials who did not align with his views, such as FBI Director James Comey, and replaced them with loyalists, diminishing institutional integrity.

Trump's administration faced accusations of using government resources, such as the Justice Department, to protect allies and investigate opponents, which are characteristics of authoritarian governance.

5. Nationalism and Populist Rhetoric

Trump's nationalist rhetoric often excluded or demonized minority groups, immigrants, and foreigners. While populism isn't inherently autocratic, his frequent appeals to the grievances of certain groups while dismissing others raised concerns about fostering a more divisive and less inclusive society.

Trump’s appeal has sometimes transcended political ideology, focusing on personal loyalty and devotion to him as a leader, similar to how autocrats build support by cultivating a personalistic regime.

6. Disregard for International Norms

Trump has expressed admiration for authoritarian leaders like Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong-un, and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, often praising their strong leadership styles while criticizing traditional democratic allies. This undermined America's historical role as a promoter of democracy and human rights globally.

 While withdrawing from agreements like the Paris Climate Accord or the Iran Nuclear Deal is within a president’s authority, Trump’s frequent disregard for multilateral institutions and norms weakened the global democratic order.

 7. Incitement of Political Violence

The January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol is one of the clearest signs of potential autocratic behavior. Trump's rhetoric leading up to the event, where he falsely claimed the election was stolen, and his encouragement of the crowd, contributed to the violence. Autocrats often incite or condone political violence to maintain or regain power.

Conclusion

While Trump has not dismantled U.S. democratic institutions, his rhetoric and actions during his presidency demonstrated a troubling disregard for democratic norms. His attacks on the press, judiciary, elections, and democratic processes echo traits of autocratic leaders who prioritize personal power over democratic governance. Critics argue that another Trump presidency could further erode democratic checks and balances, potentially pushing the U.S. towards more autocratic governance.

As his former chief of staff, General Mark Milley knew Donald Trump as well as anyone. After he retired from duty, journalist Bob Woodward reported how Milley described Trump as being “… fascist to the core.”

Why Fascism Is a Threat to U.S. Democracy

Referring back to Webster’s, Fascism is “ … a governmental system led by a dictator having complete power, forcibly suppressing opposition and criticism, regimenting all industry, commerce, etc., and emphasizing an aggressive nationalism and often racism.”

As a political ideology, it centralizes power under a single leader, suppressing dissent, often relying on propaganda to control the population. In fascist regimes, individual freedoms are sacrificed for the "greater good," and the state becomes the ultimate authority, dictating every aspect of society. While this approach might seem efficient or appealing to some during times of crisis, it poses significant risks to a democratic society like the United States.

Democracy thrives on principles of freedom, equality, and the rule of law. Fascism, on the other hand, undermines these core values by silencing opposition, stifling free speech, and limiting civil liberties. In a fascist state, dissenting voices are often labeled as enemies, which can lead to persecution, discrimination, and even violence against marginalized groups. This goes against the very fabric of what America stands for a nation built on diverse opinions, rights, and the ability to challenge those in power.

References:

Autocrat. Retrieved from https://www.dictionary.com/browse/autocrat

Fascism. Retrieved from https://www.dictionary.com/browse/fascism

Cramer, R. (2024). Trump is ‘fascist to the core,’ Milley says in Woodward book. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2024/10/12/mark-milley-donald-trump-fascist/

Kochi, S. (2023). Liz Cheney alleges Donald Trump would 'unravel the rule of law' in second term. Retrieved from https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2023/12/19/liz-cheney-donald-trump-rule-of-law-2024/71969167007/