Why Labeling Trump (Correctly) as a Fascist Doesn't Cause Him to Lose Votes

A trip inside the MAGA mindset makes clear why this doesn't work.

In the charged political climate of the U.S., calling Donald Trump a fascist, even when done with historical accuracy and supporting evidence, doesn’t seem to resonate with large portions of the electorate. This is not just a matter of messaging; it reflects deeper economic, cultural, and political dynamics that have transformed how many Americans, particularly in red states, view politics and power.

1. The Appeal of Authoritarianism in Times of Despair

For many of Trump’s supporters, authoritarian traits are not necessarily viewed as negative. Economic hardships, job losses, and cultural displacement have left many Americans—especially in rural and deindustrialized areas—feeling alienated from the political and economic system. They see Trump’s authoritarianism as a solution to their problems, not a threat to democracy. His promises to bring back jobs, reject political correctness, and punish those they see as enemies of their way of life appeal to people who feel left behind by globalization and cultural shifts. When Trump talks about “taking back the country,” these voters see him as the only leader willing to break the norms they feel have worked against them for decades.

Labeling Trump a fascist doesn’t address their concerns about economic decline, cultural alienation, or the erosion of their social status. Instead, it reinforces the idea that the media and political elites are out of touch with their struggles. For them, Trump’s style of governance is seen as strong, decisive, and necessary to fix a broken system.

2. Cultural and Political Alienation

For many in red states, labeling Trump a fascist plays into the broader narrative of cultural alienation that has been building for decades. Since the 1980s, with the decline of manufacturing and rural economies, many in these areas have felt marginalized by what they perceive as an urban, coastal elite. The rise of identity politics, increasing diversity, and changing social norms have added to their sense of displacement. When they hear Trump labeled as a fascist, it feels like another attack on them, their values, and their communities.

They’ve been told repeatedly that they are “deplorables,” racists, or backward, and the word “fascist” is received as just another way for elites to dismiss their concerns. This deepens the divide and makes them more likely to double down in support of a candidate they believe is fighting for them against a corrupt system.

3. The Power of Grievance Politics

Trump has successfully tapped into a powerful sense of grievance among his base. Many of his supporters believe that they have been left behind by a system that works for others—immigrants, minorities, and urban elites—but not for them. Trump’s message of retribution, where he promises to punish the elites and restore their place in society, resonates deeply.

When Trump is labeled as a fascist, his supporters often see it as proof that he is doing something right. In their view, the elites are threatened by him because he’s disrupting a system that has failed them. Grievance politics thrives on conflict, and attacks on Trump as a fascist only fuel the perception that he is the one person willing to stand up to a corrupt establishment.

4. Distrust of Media and Institutions

One of the defining features of Trump’s political movement is the deep distrust of mainstream media and political institutions. Trump’s base has been conditioned to view any negative coverage of him as “fake news” or part of a broader conspiracy to undermine their movement. This distrust means that even when legitimate critiques are made about Trump’s authoritarian behavior or attempts to undermine democracy, they are dismissed out of hand.

Trump has repeatedly told his supporters not to believe what they see or hear from the media, and many have internalized this message. As a result, labeling him a fascist—especially when it comes from the media or political opponents—is viewed as just another attempt to take him down. For many of his supporters, this reinforces their belief that the system is rigged and that Trump is their only hope of reclaiming power.

5. Fascism as a Distant Threat

For much of Trump’s base, the idea of fascism feels distant and abstract. Many voters do not see the erosion of democratic norms or institutions as an immediate threat to their daily lives. The academic or historical definition of fascism is simply not part of their political calculus. Instead, they focus on issues like immigration, crime, and economic insecurity—areas where Trump has positioned himself as a champion of their interests.

When people feel disconnected from the concept of democracy or believe it has failed them, they are less likely to be moved by arguments about its preservation. They see democracy as something that works for the elites, not for them. Trump’s appeal lies in his promise to make democracy work for them by any means necessary.

Conclusion: A Missed Connection

Labeling Trump as a fascist, while historically accurate in some respects, fails to resonate with his supporters because it doesn’t address the underlying economic, cultural, and political forces driving their support. These voters are not motivated by abstract concerns about democracy or authoritarianism; they are driven by a desire for retribution, cultural restoration, and a leader who they believe is willing to take on a system that has left them behind.

To effectively counter Trump’s appeal, it will take more than labeling him as a fascist. It requires addressing the real and perceived grievances of those who feel alienated from the political and economic system, rebuilding trust in democratic institutions, and offering a vision for the future that includes those who feel left out of America’s promise.