Trump losing debate over ‘fascism’ in a big way
By Paul Bedard
September 29, 2025 11:58 am
The Trump administration is on the short end of the nation’s debate over the president’s aggressive policies and actions, with nearly 6 in 10 likely voters agreeing that “fascism … is here.”
In the latest test of the public’s reaction to President Donald Trump’s tough talk, more voters than not — 47% to 44% — believe that ABC temporarily suspended late-night host Jimmy Kimmel because of the president’s criticism of him, not for violating network standards.
In the latest Rasmussen Reports survey, voters also agreed with a Democratic critic that the suspension of Kimmel for six days was another sign that Trump was putting a stranglehold on democracy.
The pollster tested a charge from liberal Rep. Martin Frost (D-FL), who said after the Kimmel suspension, “The president and his lapdogs … are implementing a dangerous agenda to punish their opposition. Fascism is not on the way. It is here.”
Rasmussen found that 58% agreed that fascism “is here” while 38% didn’t. Of the majority, 40% were in the “strongly agree” category, driven by liberals and Democrats.
In blaming Trump for the suspension, which ABC said was also due to affiliate reaction to a nasty comment the host made about the assassination of popular conservative activist Charlie Kirk, 49% said the network was not justified in its action, versus 38% who said it was.
The suspension sparked a national debate on free speech, what people should be allowed to say on regulated TV airways, and the president’s increasing involvement in every corner of American society.
more
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/3828750/trump-losing-debate-over-fascism-rasmussen-reports-polling/
