A leading Jewish newspaper in the United States has published a bold article comparing former President Donald Trump to Adolf Hitler. This comparison, featured in an opinion piece for Forward by writer Terrence Petty, has sparked intense online discussion. Petty draws strong links between Trump’s political messaging and one of the most dangerous strategies used by Hitler before World War II.
The article focuses on how Trump repeatedly blames certain groups for the country’s problems, a method that Petty says is similar to Hitler’s “Dolchstosslegende” or the “stabbed-in-the-back” myth. This was a false belief promoted in Germany after World War I, claiming that the country didn’t lose the war on the battlefield, but was betrayed by internal enemies—mainly Jewish people and communists. Hitler used this lie to stir anger and gain political power.
Petty believes Trump has created a modern-day version of this myth in the U.S. Instead of blaming Jews like Hitler did, Trump often accuses Democrats, judges, prosecutors, the media, and elite universities of destroying the country.
Petty wrote, “Donald Trump has created an American version of the Dolchstosslegende, propagating a myth that the nation is being led to ruin by Joe Biden and the Democrats, prosecutors who go after Trump, judges who rule against him, non-MAGA news media, practitioners of ‘wokeism,’ and elite universities.”
He calls this a dangerous and false narrative, but also points out that it lies at the heart of Trump’s campaign messaging and his attacks on American democracy. By presenting himself as a victim of a corrupt system, Trump positions himself as the only one who can “save” the country. This message is very similar to what Hitler used to say during his rise to power.
Petty also compares Trump’s second inaugural address to Hitler’s first speech as Germany’s chancellor on February 10, 1933. Trump’s words, Petty says, sound like a modern version of the “stabbed-in-the-back” speech. In January, Trump said, “For many years, a radical and corrupt establishment has extracted power and wealth from our citizens, while the pillars of our society lay broken and seemingly in complete disrepair.”
According to Petty, this type of message is not just political talk—it’s a dangerous tool used to divide society and justify extreme actions. It suggests that all of America’s issues are caused by people who disagree with Trump, and that they must be removed or silenced.
While some people may brush this off as just another opinion piece, Petty’s warning has struck a nerve. He believes that the U.S. may already be entering the early stages of authoritarianism, where democratic rules are gradually eroded, and one leader begins to exert increasingly more control.
However, Petty also highlights signs of resistance. He writes that law firms and universities are pushing back against Trump’s influence. Many citizens are taking to the streets to protest. Courts have rejected some of Trump’s attempts to overturn the law or ignore court rulings. All of this demonstrates that democracy remains alive and that many Americans are unwilling to relinquish their rights.
Even so, Petty points out that Trump is not stopping. Despite losing lawsuits and facing legal troubles, he continues to use what Petty calls an “authoritarian jackhammer” against America’s democratic foundations. Petty warns that Trump is working hard to break down trust in elections, the justice system, and the free press—all pillars of democracy.
This kind of behaviour isn’t new in history. Many dictators have started out by attacking the press, blaming minorities, and convincing their followers that only they can fix the country. Petty’s article urges people to pay attention and learn from the past. When dangerous ideas are allowed to grow, they can turn into real threats.
The article has sparked controversy, particularly within the political and Jewish communities. Some agree with the comparison and see it as a wake-up call. Others think it goes too far. But whether you agree or not, the article is making people talk—and that’s important in any democracy.
Petty ends by saying that Americans must stay alert and informed. They should not ignore history or pretend that these warning signs are not serious. He believes it’s up to the people, not just the courts or universities, to protect democracy. And part of that includes standing up to powerful leaders when their actions threaten the country’s future.
In today’s digital age, where misinformation spreads quickly and political speeches often go viral, Petty’s message reminds us to think critically, ask tough questions, and stay connected to what is truly happening.
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