Proposal: Why We Should Call Trumpists “Drumpf-ists”
In today’s political climate, labeling Trump or his supporters as “fascists” is increasingly counterproductive. The historical weight of that term invites endless debate and provides an opening for opponents to pivot attention to groups like Antifa, which are not structured political organizations but loosely affiliated individuals. To focus clearly on the unique threat posed by Trump’s leadership style, we propose using the term Drumpf-ist instead.
We already know he’s not exactly proud of his family’s original name, Drumpf. Still, we don’t want to give him the satisfaction of seeing his branding name used yet again to slather something in gold and call it “classy.” It’s less baroque elegance and more “I have no sense of space, style, or grace—and I’m compensating heavily for something else.” (Yes, I absolutely screamed “opulence!” when MC Hammer decorated his house.)
The Trump era has redefined how quickly a leader can challenge democratic norms. Never before in modern American history has one individual amassed so much power, tested institutional limits, and reshaped public trust—all in just a few years. These rapid-fire actions, which we will call Drumpf-ist policies, are unprecedented in both speed and volume.
At the same time, citizens and journalists must Release any information uncovered and for institutions to act quickly. Understanding the mechanisms through which power is concentrated helps Americans recognize when democratic norms are under threat. Even hidden scandals—like the ongoing investigations into figures connected to Jeffrey Epstien—highlight how powerful individuals can exploit weak oversight. Reporting on these files and ensuring transparency is crucial to maintaining democracy.
Drumpf-ist Actions in Context
Donald Trump’s previous presidency already bore witness to early assaults on constitutional norms, civil liberties, and institutional checks. From aggressively using executive orders to weaken regulatory protections, undermining independent agencies, to flouting congressional oversight, he signaled a readiness to bend or break longstanding democratic guardrails. Now, in his current term, those tendencies have not only resumed but accelerated—smashing boundaries at a pace few world leaders match.
This post zeroes in on the current administration’s Drumpf-ist “achievements” — the policy shifts, power grabs, and rights rollbacks taking place in an insanely short span. The table below maps how these actions affect real people and institutions, and then situates them alongside rapid moves from global leaders who have similarly consolidated power.
FACT-PEEK:
Comparing Trump to other modern world leaders highlights the speed and audacity of Drumpf-ist tactics:
Table 1: Drumpf-ist (Trump) – Current Presidency (2025– )
| Date / Period | Actions & Policy Changes | Primary Rights / Institutions Affected |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2025 | Sweeping executive orders; dismantling protections across multiple agencies | Federal bureaucracy, civil service, environmental safeguards |
| First 100 Days, 2025 | Human Rights Watch: ~100 harmful actions undermining rights (speech, immigration, education, environment) | Free speech, immigration rights, education access |
| 2025 (Spring) | Disengagement from UN Human Rights Council; threats to pull out of treaties | International law, global human rights accountability |
| Mid-2025 | Attempt to revoke birthright citizenship via executive order | Citizenship, 14th Amendment, due process |
| 2025 (Summer) | Court allowed cuts to Education Dept’s Civil Rights staff | Civil rights enforcement in education |
| 2025 (Fall) | Deportation threats against pro-Palestinian foreign students/faculty | First Amendment, academic freedom, noncitizens’ rights |
| 2025 (Fall) | Mass firings of federal DEI staff and contractor prohibitions | Equal protection, workplace rights, free expression |
| 2025 (Ongoing) | Ignored Congressional appropriations; diverted funds without authority | Separation of powers, legislative checks |
| 2025 (Ongoing) | Interference with law firms’ contracts and attorney clearances | Legal accountability, access to counsel |
| 2025 (Ongoing) | Broad claims of executive power over agencies and spending | Checks and balances, constitutional norms |
Table 2: Rapid Power Consolidation Abroad
| Leader / Period | Actions & Policy Changes | Primary Rights / Institutions Affected |
|---|---|---|
| Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (Turkey, 2016–2018) | Post-coup purges: 100,000+ public workers dismissed; 150+ media outlets shut; judiciary overhauled; 2017 referendum expanded presidential powers | Judicial independence, press freedom, military autonomy, democratic checks |
| Rodrigo Duterte (Philippines, 2016–2017) | “War on Drugs”: thousands of extrajudicial killings; targeted political opponents; withdrawal from the International Criminal Court | Right to life, due process, international accountability |
| Viktor Orbán (Hungary, 2010–2013) | New constitution adopted; gerrymandered elections; packed Constitutional Court; “media laws” restricted independent outlets | Electoral fairness, judicial independence, press freedom, minority rights |
Drumpf-ist Rapid-Action Timeline vs. Other Leaders
Even among authoritarian-leaning leaders, Trump’s velocity of disruption stands out. Rapid appointments of federal judges, attempts to overturn election results, and attacks on long-standing norms all happened in a compressed timeline, putting U.S. institutions under unprecedented strain.
Why Adopting “Drumpf-ist” Matters
Calling Trump or his supporters “fascists” risks:
- Distracting from actual behaviors.
- Shifting the conversation toward groups like Antifa.
- Diluting the meaning of the warning.
- Being labeled a “terrorist” and potential ramifications
Using Drumpf-ist instead:
- Precisely names the threat tied to Trump-style authoritarianism, albeit a name he doesn’t use or like to be reminded of.
- Highlights speed and audacity of attacks on norms.
- Focuses public attention on defending democratic institutions rather than debating historical accuracy.
Drumpf-ist tactics are dangerous not only for what they do, but for how fast they do it. When democratic checks are tested repeatedly in months rather than years, citizens and institutions are forced into reactive stances, often without sufficient time to respond. Rapid disruption erodes public trust, normalizes attacks on independent oversight, and encourages followers to view democratic institutions as optional or illegitimate.
Call to Action
To resist this unprecedented speed of erosion, citizens must stay informed, engaged, and proactive. Rapid action from a Drumpf-ist leader requires rapid, coordinated responses from the public, civil society, and democratic institutions. Understanding Drumpf-ist strategies helps identify threats before they become irreversible.
As we continue our work at Rescue Our Democracy, it’s essential to recognize that defending the Constitution requires vigilance not just against actions, but against the velocity of those actions. The lesson is clear: democracy is not only about laws—it is about timing, response, and collective engagement.
Head Guerilla, Judy T.
Proud to be an Anti-Drumpf-ist
**P.S. Release the Epstein files!
References:
References
- https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/04/24/us-trumps-first-100-days-assault-rights
- https://www.federalregister.gov/presidential-documents/executive-orders/donald-trump/2025
- https://civilrights.org/resource/anti-deia-eos/
- https://www.littler.com/first-100-days-2025
- https://www.journalofdemocracy.org/articles/hungarys-illiberal-turn-disabling-the-constitution/
- https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/spotlights/2024/how-hungarys-orban-uses-control-of-the-media-to-escape-scrutiny-and-keep-the-public-in-the-dark/
- https://www.freeturkishpress.com/2023/07/25/how-erdogan-and-orban-intend-to-retain-power-indefinitely/
- https://www.shoutoutuk.org/2020/07/27/how-erdogan-and-orban-pulled-off-the-modern-coup/
- https://www.hr-brew.com/stories/2025/04/29/trump-executive-actions-hr-compliance
- https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/02/13/hungary-media-curbs-harm-rule-law