Originally Posted by
Jinsai
Gagging and demonizing the free press for reporting news that he deems unfavorable out of spite, and smearing any criticism with the insinuation that the outlet is "fake" or not legitimate. Pathological and intentional distortion of the truth, especially in matters regarding his stature, authority, and personal greatness. Ordering the EPA, government employed scientists, and national parks to censor their communications with the public, press, and social media. Rallying his supporters around xenophobic scaremongering and demonizing of the "other" while projecting jingoistic appeals to hyper-nationalism. Glorifying masculinity by aligning with alt-right propagandists who codify their language to mock opposition for lacking in manliness. Appealing to the notion of a lost "golden era" and hyperbolically bemoaning the broken, destitute state of the country - condensed into his campaign slogan. His endorsement of torture techniques, "going after the families," "kick their ass," "make our military so strong nobody will mess with us," and "bomb the shit out of them" project strength through violence and force. Speaking to outlets, critics, and politicians in a lecturing but threatening tone. Assigning people to positions of power that have conflicts of interest with corporate entities. Framing himself as a victim of persecution from the elite (ironically) and a corrupt political system that is united against him, whereas he is the only answer that can save the country from sure destruction. He endears himself as an outsider voice of the downtrodden common man, bolstering his candidacy by referencing his success as a business man beholden to no one as an iconic cult leader. Framing his campaign in a theatrical, ostentatious showboating manner. Shaming and purging political players that he perceives as disloyal. Defining his campaign as a movement. Nationalistic praise of the military. Defending authoritarian overreach by the police in a manner that denotes patriotic pride. Insisting upon absolute hyper-loyalty to the state as a leading priority. Did you catch his scaremongering hyper-nationalist inauguration speech? Really, "American carnage?" Questioning the authority of the law to assess him fairly due to him being persecuted and treated with bias. Use of superlative rhetoric to either demonize or glorify everything.
Some of those things there are just aspects that note a characteristic similarity when taking in the full picture of this administration, but some would be conventional and visible in other political groups when isolated. Really though, the most damning hallmark, and the only one you'd need to answer your question, is the silencing/delegitimizing of the press and the gag order for all government agencies.
