Echoes of Tyranny: The Rhetorical Parallels Between Donald Trump and Adolf Hitler’s Rise to Authoritarianism

This paper presents a comprehensive rhetorical analysis of the striking parallels between the public language of Donald J. Trump (2015–2025) and Adolf Hitler during his rise to power in Germany (1922–1933). Drawing on speeches, writings, and political behavior, the paper traces nine key authoritarian rhetorical patterns—including demonization of opposition, scapegoating, election delegitimization, cult of personality, and normalization of violence—and shows how both figures leveraged emotional grievance, moral binaries, and media attacks to erode democratic norms.While the historical contexts differ, the rhetorical structures reveal deep commonalities that warrant urgent attention. Through side-by-side analysis and primary source documentation, the paper argues that Trump’s rhetoric is not merely provocative—it is historically recognizable. The intent is not to sensationalize, but to recognize the warning signs of rising authoritarianism while democratic systems can still respond.Appendices provide original source quotes and a comparison table for reference.