‘It’s very well-thought-out’: Authoritarian expert breaks down dangers of Project 2025

Ruth Ben-Ghiat, Professor of history and scholar of authoritarianism, speaks to Ali Velshi about Project 2025’s plans to consolidate power if Trump wins the presidency in 2025, including who's on their hypothetical list of pre-screened loyalists to join the Trump administration, and why their plan to abolish federal agencies is so uniquely dangerous to democracy.


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[sunjamrblues]

I don't think most people in America realize how fragile their democracy is. Once a country shifts to authoritarian rule, it can take centuries to overthrow it.

[jillionairess]

An awful lot of people got what they needed out of democracy and have now decided to trash it for the rest of us.

[knowbody]

It's not just trump. There are large and very well funded groups working hard to end democracy. trump is just one cog in the wheel. If the country doesn't realize this and take measures to shore up democracy, we will become a full fledged authoritarian country.

[AthenaNike]

I am genuinely scared for you guys - and for us Europeans - because I am seeing before my very eyes what I studied in my history books. I thought it wouldn’t happen again, but here we are on the brink of fascism again.

[palaco]

The one thing he did I will never forget and almost made me puke was once I saw him hug the American flag. what a hypocritical thing for him to do, a person that actively is trying to help the enemies of this country destroy it.

[kathyfoley]

14th amendment section 3. DISQUALIFIES Insurrectionist from Running for or holding office.
Stop this madness

[reyramirez]

Reporters should talk about project 2025 frequently and in detail! I’m pretty well informed and I still didn’t quite know much about it. Everyone needs to know what the Republicans are trying to do to this country!

[FlowJunkie]

If he weren't so dangerous, Trump would be hilarious and a utter joke. And, the people still willing to back him despite him wanting to dismantle America is beyond belief. They can't seriously understand the implications of his intentions.

[catdaddy]

With the words of Hitler, the vainglorious ego of Mussolini, the reality bending lies of Stalin, the intellect of Kim, the work ethic of Commodus, the civic responsibility of Nero, the moral character and love of family of Caligula and the sense of propriety of Elagabalus, what could possibly go wrong with a trump dictatorship?

[laurawells]

Project 2025 must NEVER happen. I wish I could magically make everyone aware of how serious this is. Thank you for bringing this information out in the light.

[Doors]

When they're replacing Jesus with trump they've denied Jesus already

[StephenJochum]

This is serious stuff. Hope no one takes these threats lightly. Trump must face the consequences for the laws he's broken, or our Democracy is in peril.

[OGHVAC]

Sounds like "The Handmaid's' Tale" on a national level. If Project 2025 gets a foothold, American Democracy and the rule of law is done. Think about that.

[MrTommyboy]

Be afraid America. VERY afraid. It's sad to realize how FEW PEOPLE who paid attention in History class.

[TheRoyalBavarian]

If this doesn't scare you you exist in a very very small vacuum.

[vicvic]

Calling Donald Trump a president is like calling Jeffrey Danmer a chef. America is tired of Trump. Citizen Trump for prison 2024!

[Muttinchopsforeverstrong]

I look forward to Trump's upcoming criminal trials verdicts and sentencing and the live broadcast of him entering prison

[Abovetherest]

The judge that puts Trump in prison will have my full support.

[SharonWoosley]

How interesting that the Poster Boy for Christian Nationalism is such an amoral person.

[berthagreen]

Hopefully Trump doesn’t get the White House again. It would be a nightmare for your country.