For years, political analysts and historians have warned about the creeping rise of authoritarianism in the United States. What once seemed unthinkable—a shift toward fascism in a country that prides itself on democracy—is now unfolding in real time. With Donald Trump as the figurehead of a movement built on relentless lies, manufactured grievances, and cult-like devotion, and with billionaires like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel using their platforms to normalize extremism, the signs of democratic decay are everywhere. The question is: Are enough people paying attention?
The U.S. as a Hostage State
With the rise of Trumpism, authoritarian billionaires, and Project 2025, the United States is increasingly resembling a hostage state, where more than half of the population is held captive by a system that is being rigged against them. Democracy still exists on paper, but in practice, it is being eroded through legal manipulation, disinformation, and brute force.
The hallmarks of a hostage state include:
- Voter suppression and election subversion: The right-wing movement is actively working to make it harder for marginalized groups to vote while pushing false election fraud narratives to justify extreme actions.
- Judicial takeovers: Courts are being stacked with far-right judges who serve corporate interests and shield political allies from legal consequences.
- Media manipulation: Right-wing disinformation is allowed to flourish unchecked, drowning out independent journalism and silencing opposition.
- State-sponsored violence and intimidation: From police brutality against protestors to militia groups being emboldened by political leaders, those who resist the system are met with force.
The reality is that millions of Americans are being forced to live under policies, laws, and ideologies they did not vote for, enforced by leaders who openly reject democracy.
The Trump Playbook: Lies, Manipulation, and the Power of Shamelessness
Trump’s rise to power wasn’t built on intelligence or competence—it was built on shamelessness. Unlike traditional politicians who fear being caught in a lie, Trump embraced dishonesty as a strategy. He lies constantly, not because he believes what he says, but because he knows his followers will accept the lies as truth. This tactic, known as the “Big Lie,” was used by past authoritarians, including Adolf Hitler, to manipulate the masses.
Trump’s lies work for a simple reason: repetition and emotional appeal override logic. His base doesn’t need facts—they need validation of their fears and frustrations. And with a media ecosystem designed to amplify disinformation, those lies spread faster than the truth. But Trump isn’t doing this alone—he’s been helped by a network of enablers who benefit from the chaos he creates.
Elon Musk: The Opportunist Normalizing Extremism
Elon Musk has long been regarded as a tech genius, but the reality is far more complex. While he is undeniably skilled at securing government funding and making bold business moves, his behavior in recent years suggests he is more of an opportunist than an innovator. Musk thrives on controversy, attention, and control—three traits often found in authoritarian leaders.
His purchase of Twitter (now X) was sold as a move to “protect free speech,” but in practice, it has turned the platform into a haven for extremists, conspiracy theorists, and white nationalists. Free speech, in Musk’s world, only applies to the right-wing. Progressive voices, journalists, and critics of authoritarianism are either deplatformed, demonized, or drowned out by paid blue-check trolls.
Musk’s recent gestures, including what many have called a Nazi salute, have only fueled concerns about his true ideological leanings. Whether it was intentional or a reckless act of trolling, the fact that actual neo-Nazis saw it as a signal speaks volumes. Combine this with his amplification of far-right figures and conspiracy theories, and it becomes clear that Musk is more than just a businessman—he is a key player in the normalization of fascist ideology.
Does Musk Know Trump Is Lying?
A major question many are asking is: Does Elon Musk know Trump is lying? Given Musk’s intelligence and access to information, it is highly unlikely that he is unaware of Trump’s relentless stream of lies. Yet, Musk continues to engage with Trump and his allies, lending credibility to a movement built on deception.
Some argue that Musk simply sees Trump as a useful tool to push his own agenda—deregulation, tax breaks, and a power shift away from government oversight. Others believe Musk shares a deeper ideological alignment with the far-right, embracing its anti-establishment, authoritarian tendencies. Either way, Musk’s actions help legitimize Trump’s lies and contribute to the erosion of democracy.
Peter Thiel and the Billionaire Fascism Agenda
Peter Thiel, a tech billionaire and early Trump supporter, has openly spoken about his disdain for democracy. He has funded candidates and movements that support nationalist, anti-democratic policies, and he envisions a world where the ultra-rich hold absolute power while the masses are controlled. His vision isn’t about freedom—it’s about the consolidation of power among a select few who dictate how society should function.
Thiel and Musk, despite their public differences, share a common goal: reducing government oversight while benefiting from taxpayer money. Tesla, SpaceX, and other Musk-led companies have thrived on government subsidies and contracts, yet Musk constantly attacks the very system that funds his ventures. The same can be said for Thiel, who rails against government intervention while ensuring his own business interests are protected through government contracts and deregulation.
The Threat of Project 2025
One of the most alarming aspects of the right-wing’s authoritarian push is Project 2025, a plan designed by conservative think tanks and Trump allies to consolidate executive power, dismantle federal oversight, and reshape the government to serve far-right interests. Project 2025 aims to purge civil servants who are not loyal to Trump, weaken democratic institutions, and centralize power within the executive branch—hallmarks of a dictatorship in the making.
The plan also includes rolling back climate regulations, dismantling social safety nets, and ensuring that major corporations and billionaires face fewer restrictions on their power. Figures like Musk and Thiel stand to benefit from such policies, as they align with their own visions of deregulated capitalism, where government exists solely to serve the elite.
If implemented, Project 2025 could accelerate the erosion of democratic norms, making it easier for authoritarian leaders to maintain control without accountability. This is not just a policy agenda—it is a blueprint for autocracy.
The Resistance: Is It Enough?
The biggest question is whether the American public is ready to fight back. The resistance to Trumpism and creeping fascism exists, but it has been weakened by infighting, complacency, and a media landscape that often prioritizes sensationalism over truth. The Democratic Party has failed to aggressively counter these threats, often taking a measured approach when urgent action is needed.
Conclusion
We are living through a moment of history where the future of democracy is at stake. Figures like Trump, Musk, and Thiel are not just wealthy individuals with strong opinions—they are part of a movement seeking to dismantle democratic institutions and replace them with a system where only the elite have power. The inclusion of Project 2025 in their agenda makes this even more dangerous, as it provides a clear roadmap for authoritarian takeover.
The U.S. is not yet a full-fledged dictatorship, but the foundation is being laid. The question now is whether enough people are willing to recognize the danger and fight back before it’s too late.
