As a descendant of Ashkenazi Jewish immigrants from Slovakia, Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus, whose timely migration spared them from the horrors of Hitler’s regime, it is with heavy anxiety and sadness that I draw parallels between the next U.S. president and a man who sought to annihilate my ancestors. The idea that such a comparison could be necessary feels almost unthinkable, yet Donald Trump’s rhetoric forces us to confront the unsettling similarities.
Throughout history, language has been a powerful tool wielded by leaders to shape perceptions, stoke divisions, and consolidate power. Adolf Hitler’s speeches are infamous for their overt racism, dehumanization, and calls to nationalistic pride, all of which laid the foundation for one of the darkest periods in human history. Alarmingly, Trump’s language often echoes these tactics, raising concerns about the potential consequences.
Trump’s campaign rhetoric frequently leaned on fearmongering, scapegoating minorities, and fostering division. His sweeping generalizations about immigrants being “rapists” and “criminals” or his characterization of entire nations as “sh*thole countries” mirror the kind of dangerous dehumanization used to justify exclusion and persecution. Such language normalizes prejudice and fosters an “us vs. them” mentality, making it easier for policies targeting vulnerable groups to gain acceptance.
Like Hitler, Trump has skillfully presented himself as a champion of the “forgotten” populace, appealing to those who feel disenfranchised or left behind. This populist approach, while not inherently dangerous, becomes deeply troubling when coupled with rhetoric that demonizes entire groups based on ethnicity, religion, or citizenship status. It shifts blame onto the marginalized, rather than addressing systemic issues, and risks emboldening those with extremist ideologies.
Trump’s language is not characteristic of a democratic leader governing on behalf of a diverse nation. Instead, it aligns more closely with the rhetoric of totalitarian figures who seek to consolidate power by instilling fear and division. His repeated attacks on the media, refusal to accept criticism, and attempts to undermine democratic institutions further evoke comparisons to authoritarian regimes.
This is not to equate Trump with Hitler in terms of actions or outcomes but rather to highlight the dangerous potential of rhetoric that dehumanizes and divides. History has shown us the catastrophic consequences of such language when left unchecked. As descendants of those who endured unspeakable horrors, we have a moral obligation to remain vigilant and challenge leaders whose words echo the past’s darkest chapters.
The comparison may be uncomfortable, but ignoring these parallels risks allowing history to repeat itself. It is a stark reminder of the responsibility we all share in preserving the principles of equality, dignity, and democracy.
