Trump is starting to look more like Mussolini every day.
Not only in policy, but in appearance and mannerisms as well: the strut, the scowl, the pout, the swagger, both physical and mental. For now, the trains may be running on time, but in a crunch, I suspect he'll fold just like Il Duce did.
And like Benito, he is being seen that way not only by authentic world leaders, but by other fascist thugs as well: N Korea, Turkey, Philippines, Russia, China, Iran, Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia...
Here's a comment from someone who should know this well, a New York City Italian...
https://www.lavocedinewyork.com/en/2016/11/20/a-specter-haunting-america-trump-and-italian-fascism/
On April 25, 1995, celebrating the 50 anniversary of the liberation of Italy, Umberto Eco delivered his most pointed political speech on “Ur-Fascism” (sometimes titled 14 Ways of Looking at a Blackshirt).
1. The first feature of Ur-Fascism is the cult of tradition.
2. Traditionalism implies the rejection of modernism.
3. Irrationalism also depends on the cult of action for action’s sake.
4. The critical spirit makes distinctions, and to distinguish is a sign of modernism. So disagreement is treason.
5. Besides, disagreement is a sign of diversity.
6. Ur-Fascism derives from individual or social frustration.
7. To people who feel deprived of a clear social identity, Ur-Fascism says that their only privilege is the most common one, to be born in the same country.
8. The followers must feel humiliated by the ostentatious wealth and force of their enemies.
9. For Ur-Fascism there is no struggle for life but, rather, life is lived for struggle.
10. Elitism is a typical aspect of any reactionary ideology, insofar as it is fundamentally aristocratic, and aristocratic and militaristic elitism cruelly implies contempt for the weak. [Emphasis mine. For "elitism", you may substitute "exceptionalism", "racism", "nativism" or "nationalism". Any convenient bigotry will do just fine.--ER]
11. In such a perspective everybody is educated to become a hero.
12. Since both permanent war and heroism are difficult games to play, the Ur-Fascist transfers his will to power to sexual matters.
13. Ur-Fascism is based upon a selective populism, a qualitative populism, one might say.
14. Ur-Fascism speaks Newspeak.