As Donald Trump once again dominates the political landscape, his rhetoric in the 2024 U.S. presidential race draws alarming parallels to the language of past authoritarian leaders. Trump’s speeches are filled with dehumanization, fearmongering, and a relentless assault on his opponents, most notably Kamala Harris, his principal challenger in the race. These tactics are not just typical political jabs but are part of a calculated strategy rooted in authoritarianism that undermines democratic norms. In the process, Trump positions himself as the only legitimate actor in an election framed as an existential battle for the nation’s soul.

Trump’s rhetoric, much like that of past authoritarian leaders, is grounded in dehumanization. Historically, figures like Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini used language to strip their opponents of their humanity, framing them as existential threats to the nation. Trump employs a similar tactic by referring to his political opponents as “vermin,” “radical-left thugs,” and “traitors.” These terms are not merely insults—they serve a more insidious purpose: to delegitimize and isolate his opponents, making them seem less deserving of respect, consideration, or even democratic rights.

Kamala Harris, the current vice president and Trump’s opponent, bears the brunt of this dehumanizing language. Trump’s characterization of Harris is designed to evoke a specific reaction from his base, one that plays into deep-seated fears about demographic and cultural change. His attacks on Harris are not limited to policy disagreements but focus heavily on her identity as a Black and South Asian woman—an outsider, in Trump’s framing, who does not embody “real” American values.

One of the most striking elements of Trump’s rhetoric is how he positions himself in relation to his opponents. He does not see Harris or any other political figure as his equal in a democratic contest. Instead, he casts himself as a transcendent figure—one who alone can save the nation from destruction. In doing so, Trump rejects the core tenets of democratic competition, where candidates are supposed to engage in debate, present policies, and allow voters to choose based on ideas.

Noam Chomsky, a renowned linguist and political analyst, has long explored how language can be weaponized to........

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