When one thinks of two prominent ‘extreme narcissists’, I cannot help but to compare Donald Trump with Benito Mussolini. Both ran a ‘populist’ regime in their respective countries: Mussolini in Italy starting back in the early twenty’s and soon Trump in the U.S. Supported by nationalist sentiments, Trump’s campaign slogan was to “make America great again”. Mussolini wanted to establish a “new Italian Empire” and restore Rome’s former glory. Mussolini praised Germany’s Adolph Hitler, just as Trump has praised Russia’s Vladimir Putin as a strong leader.
Mussolini developed a cult of one-man leadership that focused media attention and national debate on his own personality. As a former journalist, Mussolini proved highly adept at exploiting all forms of mass media. Remind you of anyone! Mussolini had quickly gained a reputation for his magnetism and remarkable rhetorical talents, inspiring large disenchanted crowds with populist slogans. Trump adeptly worked his campaign rhetoric to galvanize his supporters at large orchestrated gatherings.
Influenced by Hitler, Mussolini instituted discrimination policies against the Jews in Italy. Trump intends to go after Latinos and Muslims through various bans on immigration and deportation policies. Mussolini also attacked the existing Italian establishment in Rome, helping his fascist party to eventually establish his dictatorship by eliminating parliamentary elections. Trump’s platform went after the so-called Washington establishment. Thankfully, the U.S. continues to be a democracy, at least for now!
Mussolini carried out an extensive public works program and reduced unemployment, making him very popular with the people. As an isolationist, he introduced tariffs, particularly in the agricultural sector, and government subsidies to farmers. Trump wants to eliminate certain free trade arrangements, including renegotiating NAFTA, to better favour American manufacturers and create jobs in the U.S.
In 1935, determined to show the strength of his regime, Mussolini used the Italian military to invade Ethiopia. Trump has indicated that he intends to do the same against ISIS in Syria. However, Mussolini privately admitted that Italy’s ability to fight a major war on its own was seriously limited. Trump has implied that NATO’s allies have to provide greater financial support to that organization given the already heavy U.S. military spending. Trump, just as Mussolini did decades ago, will pursue a strong military presence in support of American foreign and economic policies abroad.
A lavish cult of personality centered on the figure of Mussolini and was promoted by the Fascist Party and regime, just as the Republican Party is now apparently tied into President-elect Trump’s cult of personality. Finally, Mussolini was married several times and was reported to have had several mistresses and many brief sexual encounters with female supporters. Remind you of a current day ‘misogynist’? When I compare photos and video pictures of Benito Mussolini and Donald Trump in terms of their body language and facial expressions, the similarities are incredibly striking. Let’s just hope that future outcomes under President Trump aren’t the same and as disastrous for the world as they were for Mussolini and Italy.
FROLITICKS 
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