Kathleen Belew, American historian: "Under the Trump Administration, the United States is rehearsing fascist-style policies"

Kathleen Belew, a historian, discusses the rise of the white supremacist movement in the U.S., tracing its roots back to the 1970s. Her book, "Bring the War Home," highlights how disparate extremist groups coalesced into a more organized movement, gaining legitimacy under Donald Trump. Belew emphasizes the importance of understanding political violence as part of a broader social movement rather than isolated incidents. She notes that narratives of betrayal, similar to those after the Vietnam War, can resurface in different contexts, influencing extremist sentiments. The current political climate, including Trump's actions and promises, raises concerns about the erosion of democratic legitimacy and the potential for increased radicalization among the electorate. She warns that the normalization of extremist rhetoric and actions poses a significant threat to democracy.