Historian Compares Trump Movement to Chile Before 1973 Coup, Says Rallies are 'Radicalizing' Supporters to Embrace Violence

Historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat accused Trump of "re-educating" his followers to embrace violence. She likened his movement to Chile before its 1973 coup.

Ben-Ghiat said Trump uses rallies to portray violence positively and make it seem patriotic. His campaign is a "radicalization vehicle."

She argued violence has been normalized under Trump. Rep. Matt Gaetz also recently advocated for violence as the only way to create change.

Ben-Ghiat sees a rise in anti-democratic thinking and extremism becoming mainstream under Trumpism.

She said Trump and aligned movements use rhetoric reminiscent of early fascist movements by portraying violence and force as necessary.