Is the U.S. Becoming Fascist? Warning Signs and What It Means for Canada
How Rising Authoritarianism in the U.S. Could Impact Canadian Employers, Diversity Efforts, and Workplace Stability
Fascism isn’t something that happens overnight. It develops through a series of shifts—political, social, and cultural—that concentrate power, dismantle democratic institutions, and scapegoat certain groups. While the U.S. isn’t yet a fascist state, but it’s exhibiting alarming trends that resemble past authoritarian regimes.
For Canadian employers, this matters. Political instability and rising authoritarianism in the U.S. can impact immigration policies, cross-border trade, and workplace diversity efforts. As hiring landscapes shift, businesses in Canada may see an influx of talent seeking stability—or face new challenges in maintaining inclusive workplaces.
The History of Authoritarianism: Lessons from the Past
Authoritarianism doesn’t emerge overnight—it builds over time through shifts in political, social, and economic systems. Throughout history, leaders have risen to power by exploiting fear, economic instability, and social divisions.
By examining past authoritarian regimes, we can better understand the warning signs and patterns that may be unfolding today.
Historical Examples
Benito Mussolini (Italy, 1922-1943)
Benito Mussolini rose to power in the aftermath of World War I, a time of economic instability, political unrest, and national humiliation for Italy. He founded the National Fascist Party in 1919, promising to restore Italy’s former glory through strong leadership, nationalism, and military expansion.
Mussolini’s rise was fuelled by nationalism, propaganda, intimidation and dismantling democratic institutions.
Adolf Hitler (Germany, 1933-1945)
Adolf Hitler’s rise to power followed a period of extreme economic hardship and political instability in Germany. After World War I, the Treaty of Versailles left Germany in economic ruin, creating widespread resentment and desperation. The Great Depression further devastated the economy, leading many Germans to seek a strong leader who could restore stability.
Hitler capitalized on this turmoil through exploiting economic despair, manipulating social divisions, silencing opposition, dismantling democracy and propaganda.
Once in power, Hitler pursued aggressive expansion, leading to World War II and the Holocaust, where six million Jewish people, along with other marginalized groups, were systematically murdered.
Both Mussolini and Hitler followed a pattern of seizing power by exploiting fear, nationalism, and economic struggles—eroding democratic institutions to establish totalitarian regimes. Understanding these historical examples helps recognize early warning signs of authoritarianism in modern times.
Parallels Between Historical Authoritarianism and the United States of Amercia Today
History shows that authoritarianism doesn’t emerge overnight—it develops through systematic attacks on democracy, institutions, and civil liberties.
Comparing the tactics of past authoritarian leaders to recent trends in the United States reveals alarming similarities.
1. Nationalism as a Tool for Power
Mussolini’s Italy:
Used extreme nationalism to unify Italy, glorify the past, and justify aggressive policies.
Hitler’s Germany:
Promoted "Germany First" rhetoric, blaming outsiders for the country’s decline.
Trump’s United States:
Nationalist slogans like ‘Make America Great Again’ have been central to political campaigns. There’s increasing rhetoric against immigrants, minorities and transgender people, portraying them as threats to America’s national identity.
2. Propaganda and Control of Information
Mussolini’s Italy:
Controlled newspapers and radio to shape public perception and silence dissent.
Hitler’s Germany:
Used state-controlled media and rallies to spread misinformation, creating a cult of personality.
Trump’s United States:
Misinformation spreads rapidly through partisan news outlets and social media. There are growing concerns of oligarchy as major tech and social media CEOs attend the president’s inauguration, highlighting their mutual relationships.
3. Political Violence and Intimidation
Mussolini’s Italy:
Used paramilitary groups (Blackshirts) to attack political opponents and suppress protests.
Hitler’s Germany:
Relied on the SA (Brownshirts) to violently suppress opposition and intimidate voters.
Trump’s United States:
In 2025, President Trump pardoned individuals convicted of political violence. Critics argue this undermines the rule of law and signals impunity for future violence. Trump pushed to designate certain groups, such as drug cartels, as terrorist organizations, raising concerns about misuse against political opponents and marginalized communities.
4. Exploiting Economic Hardship and Social Divisions
Mussolini’s Italy:
Blamed communists and labor unions for economic struggles, pushing for an authoritarian solution.
Hitler’s Germany:
Used the Great Depression to fuel resentment and justify extreme measures.
Trump’s United States:
Economic struggles and wealth inequality are being used to divide people along racial, ideological, and class lines. Politicians exploit economic fear to justify policies that concentrate power while blaming marginalized groups for economic decline.
5. Cult of Personality
Mussolini’s Italy:
Declared himself "Il Duce," portraying himself as Italy’s only hope.
Hitler’s Germany:
Created a mass movement centered around loyalty to him personally, rather than democratic ideals.
Trump’s United States:
Political movements are increasingly based on loyalty to MAGA. Supporters reject criticism and legal investigations as political attacks rather than legitimate concerns.
What This Means for Canadian Employers
The political instability in the U.S., particularly the normalization of political violence and attacks on democratic institutions, has implications for Canadian businesses and employers beyond the proposed tariffs.
Here’s why it matters:
Workplace Safety and Extremism
The rise of extremist rhetoric in the U.S. can spill over into Canada, impacting workplace dynamics. Employers must be vigilant about radicalization, hate speech, and political tensions that could affect employee safety and inclusion.
Diversity and Inclusion Challenges
Trump’s actions, including pardoning those involved in political violence, send a global message that discrimination and division are tolerated.
This could embolden biases in hiring and workplace culture, making diversity, equity and inclusion efforts even more critical for Canadian organizations.
Talent Mobility and Retention
As political tensions rise in the U.S., more professionals—including diverse and marginalized talent—may seek opportunities in Canada. Employers should prepare to attract and support newcomers who may be fleeing an increasingly hostile environment.
Cross-Border Business Risks
Canadian companies with U.S. operations or clients may face challenges as the political landscape affects economic stability, trade, and even employee travel security. Employers should assess risks and be proactive in contingency planning.
Canadian employers must reinforce their commitment to inclusion, workplace safety, and fair hiring practices to navigate the shifting political climate and its potential impact on business and talent acquisition.
Final Verdict: Is the U.S. Fascist?
Not fully—but it is moving toward authoritarianism with fascist tendencies. Fascism doesn’t arrive as a dramatic coup; it creeps in when people ignore the warning signs.
The real question isn’t whether the U.S. is already fascist—it’s whether it’s on the path to becoming one.
The time to push back is now. Democracy isn’t self-sustaining—it survives only when people actively defend it.
And Canada—and Canadian employers—need to care. Having an authoritarian neighbor can cause all sorts of problems, from economic instability to a rise in extremist ideologies crossing the border.
That’s why Canadians need to stay focused on things like their inclusion efforts, workplace protections, and democratic values.
What Can You Do?
Stay informed
Vote in every election.
Speak out against injustice.
Work with organizations that share your values.
Stay focused on diversity, equity and inclusion.
Fascism thrives on silence. The more people recognize the warning signs, the harder it becomes for authoritarianism to take hold—and the more empowered they are to resist it.
Get Started with HireDiverse
HireDiverse is a Canadian job board connecting employers with diverse talent.
We use technology to make sure job ads reach the right candidates.
