Salem, OR – In a thought-provoking panel discussion held at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, a group of esteemed law and history professors delved into the troubling issue of democratic backsliding and the potential rise of fascism under former President Donald Trump. The panel, titled “This (Un)democratic Moment,” sparked important dialogue on the state of American democracy, drawing parallels between Trump’s political tactics and historical fascist regimes.
The discussion featured three distinguished professors: William Smaldone, a history expert specializing in European contemporary history and labor movements; Sammy Basu, a history professor focused on public health and intellectual history; and Steven Green, a law professor with a deep background in constitutional law and legal history.
William Smaldone opened the conversation by expressing his growing concern about the state of American democracy. “When I talk about politics in the United States, I’ve always urged caution… I no longer hesitate to use that word,” Smaldone said, referring to fascism. He drew direct comparisons between Trump’s presidency and the rise of Adolf Hitler, particularly noting the former president’s installation of loyalists in key government positions, manipulation of state resources for political purposes, suppression of dissent, and the use of propaganda to cultivate a base grounded in racial and class resentment.
While Smaldone was unequivocal in his use of the term “fascism,” Sammy Basu approached the issue with caution, acknowledging the need for historical context. Basu warned against making direct comparisons but emphasized that the lessons of history should not be ignored. He pointed out the similarities between Trump’s media tactics and Hitler’s use of mass media to spread propaganda and further his political agenda. Both leaders, Basu argued, relied heavily on the manipulation of media to rally public support and target vulnerable groups.
Steven Green, for his part, tempered the conversation with a focus on the U.S. Constitution. While acknowledging the anti-democratic tendencies that emerged under Trump’s leadership, Green stopped short of declaring a full-fledged constitutional crisis. Instead, he stressed the resilience of the Constitution and the importance of upholding democratic norms to preserve the integrity of the nation’s political system.
The panel’s conversation underscored the pressing need for vigilance in safeguarding democratic institutions. Despite differing perspectives on the extent of the threat, all three professors agreed that the lessons of history must guide contemporary political discourse. The event at Willamette University served as a timely reminder of the importance of understanding the historical roots of authoritarianism and the role of citizens in protecting democratic values in a rapidly changing political landscape.
