Echoes of the Past: Parallels Between Hitler’s First 58 Days and Trump’s First 58 Days

Written by: Jerry Elman March 18, 2025

History warns us that democracy is fragile. The early days of Adolf Hitler’s rise to power in 1933 provide a chilling reminder of how quickly a leader can dismantle democratic institutions under the guise of national security and efficiency. Today, as President Donald Trump approaches his 60th day in office, similarities have emerged between his rapid fire early actions and those of Hitler in the first two months of his chancellorship. While the historical contexts are different, the patterns of authoritarian consolidation bear close scrutiny.

Hitler’s First 58 Days: The Foundations of a Dictatorship

On January 30, 1933, Adolf Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany. Within weeks, he set into motion policies that would transform a struggling democracy into a totalitarian regime:

• Reichstag Fire and Emergency Decrees: On February 27, 1933, the Reichstag (parliament) was set on fire. The Nazis blamed communists and used the incident to justify the Reichstag Fire Decree, which suspended civil liberties, authorized mass arrests of political opponents, and paved the way for one-party rule. The decree was framed as a necessary measure to protect Germany from internal threats, but it effectively dismantled the rule of law.
• Enabling Act: Passed on March 23, 1933, this law gave Hitler the power to enact laws without parliamentary approval, effectively ending Germany’s democratic system. With this legal maneuver, he centralized power and removed legislative checks on his authority.
• Targeting of Minorities and Political Opponents: Hitler swiftly used his power to purge Jews, socialists, and other so-called enemies of the state from positions of influence, laying the groundwork for the atrocities to come.

These actions, framed as necessary for national security and stability, eliminated Germany’s democratic guardrails, enabling Hitler to consolidate power.

Trump’s Early 2025 Actions: A Repeating Pattern

Since his return to office on January 20, 2025, Donald Trump has taken steps that mirror the tactics of authoritarian leaders, including Hitler:

• Executive Overreach: Trump has issued a sweeping series of executive orders, many of which target immigration, government institutions, and civil liberties. These include attempts to end birthright citizenship, reinstate controversial travel bans, and accelerate mass deportations, all justified under the guise of national security.
• The ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ (DOGE): Created under the leadership of Elon Musk, DOGE has cut over 77,000 federal jobs and terminated contracts, effectively gutting key agencies. This move echoes Hitler’s strategy of consolidating power by eliminating bureaucratic resistance and weakening governmental oversight.
• Suppression of Dissent: The administration has aggressively purged officials seen as disloyal, restructured agencies like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and signaled intent to investigate media outlets critical of Trump’s policies. This echoes Hitler’s early attacks on the press and political opponents.
• Targeting of Immigrants and Minorities: Immigration raids have expanded, including arrests at churches and schools—previously protected spaces. Political rhetoric has escalated, portraying immigrants as an existential threat to the nation, reminiscent of Nazi propaganda that dehumanized Jews and other marginalized groups.

Why Aren’t People Protesting in Mass Numbers?

Despite the alarming trajectory of Trump’s administration, widespread street protests have not materialized at the scale seen in previous moments of national crisis. Several factors contribute to this passivity:

• Normalization of Extremism: Years of political turmoil have numbed many Americans to the shocking nature of authoritarian actions. The public has grown accustomed to political chaos, leading to resignation rather than resistance.
• Fear of Repercussions: Crackdowns on protesters, aggressive law enforcement tactics, and rhetoric labeling dissenters as “domestic terrorists” have discouraged mass demonstrations.
• Media Fracture and Disinformation: With partisan media controlling much of the narrative, many Americans remain unaware or misinformed about the severity of Trump’s early actions.
• Lack of Unified Opposition: Unlike in past movements, there is no singular, cohesive force organizing mass protests. Democrats remain divided on strategy, and traditional Republican leaders have largely remained silent, unwilling to challenge Trump’s consolidation of power.
• False Sense of Action Through Social Media: Too many people believe that posting memes and commentary on Facebook or Twitter constitutes active resistance. In reality, this is merely communication with like-minded individuals. While it may create an illusion of engagement, it does not translate into tangible opposition or meaningful resistance against authoritarian policies. It makes people feel better, but it accomplishes zero real resistance. Mass protests and organized action have historically been the only effective ways to counter such political shifts.

Why Are Both Republican and Democratic Leaders Acting Passive?

The political establishment’s lack of urgency in responding to Trump’s authoritarian actions raises serious concerns:

• Fear of Political Fallout: Many Republican leaders remain loyal to Trump or fear backlash from his base. Even those who once opposed him hesitate to act decisively, fearing primary challenges or political exile.
• Institutional Paralysis: The mechanisms designed to hold leaders accountable—Congress, the courts, and the media—have been weakened by years of partisan conflict and erosion of public trust.
• Democratic Leadership’s Hesitation: While some Democratic leaders have spoken out, many have opted for a cautious approach, prioritizing electoral strategy over immediate action. Their belief in preserving institutional processes may be blinding them to the urgency of the crisis.

Parallels and Warnings

The similarities between Hitler’s and Trump’s early moves are alarming:

• Erosion of Democratic Norms: Both leaders relied on legal loopholes and emergency measures to bypass democratic institutions, using fear and nationalism to justify their actions.
• Weaponizing Government Institutions: Just as Hitler dismantled checks and balances through the Enabling Act, Trump is gutting regulatory agencies and consolidating power within the executive branch.
• Scapegoating Marginalized Groups: Hitler blamed Jews and communists for Germany’s struggles. Trump has targeted immigrants, liberals, and political opponents as threats to American identity and stability.

Learning from History

History does not repeat itself exactly, but patterns emerge that demand attention. Hitler’s first 58 days laid the groundwork for dictatorship. Trump’s first few weeks in office are raising serious concerns about the erosion of democracy in the United States. While the U.S. still has strong democratic institutions, their ability to withstand these assaults depends on active resistance and vigilance.

If history teaches us anything, it is that silence enables authoritarianism. As we watch these events unfold, it is crucial to remember the past, recognize warning signs, and take action before democratic institutions are irreparably damaged. The lessons of history are only useful if we are willing to learn from them—and act accordingly. To date, America has fallen in the the trap of ignoring history.