While nearly half the country sees former President Donald Trump as a fascist, according to a new ABC News/Ipsos poll published Friday, few believe they would still vote for him.
Among registered voters who think Trump is a fascist, 8% support him regardless, the poll found.
It comes just days after retired four-star Marine general and former chief of staff for Trump John Kelly reportedly said that Trump could fit the “general definition of a fascist” and that he had expressed his desire for a general like Adolf Hitler. .
The poll was conducted before the headline appeared.
Republican presidential candidate, former US President Donald Trump speaks at the Turning Point Action campaign rally, October 24, 2024, in Las Vegas.
Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
While ABC News followed some who answered the poll and continued to support Trump – despite characterizing him as a fascist – many explained that the revelation did not affect the election decision. Some expressed support for authoritarianism.
Analia, (ABC News is not using her last name for privacy reasons) a 46-year-old accounting demo operator and former Democrat from Florida, explained she leans toward Trump because of his wisdom.
“I don’t like him as an elected person, but I like his politics,” he said. “But as a human being, I will not support it.”
When asked about the authoritarian leader, he said, “I think it’s good for the country. I think it needs order. I like things from (Trump).
He said that when people get freedom, balance is necessary and society demands that “certain rules” be followed.
One woman who wished to remain anonymous — but revealed she was also previously known as a liberal Democrat — agreed that Trump fits the definition of a fascist — on a personal level.
“Personally, he’s a fascist,” he said. “Professionally wise, as president, I think he will do a good job.”
“We can call our bosses fascists. It doesn’t mean that they are not good bosses,” she said.
He also said he would be fine with Trump imposing an authoritarian government, saying that “someone has to impose some kind of leadership.”
A 21-year-old independent voter who says he leans moderate and attends St. John’s University.
“It’s something that I have to look past,” he said. I don’t want to, but considering the candidates we have … I feel like I have to.”
He also stated that he does not think Trump can implement fascism in America.
“I don’t think they can implement it, but I see them at least trying,” he said.
Michael, 43, is a conservative Republican from Texas.
Courtesy of Michael
Forty-three-year-old manufacturing manager Michael from Texas, who responded to polls that Trump and Harris are fascists, told ABC News that he believes both candidates are implementing policies that will take away people’s liberties.
Although he does not fully support Trump, Michael explained that the ideals that Trump supports are closer to him.
When asked about Kelly’s recent comments about Trump, Michael said he wasn’t bothered and that the information wouldn’t change his vote.
Mindy, a forty-two-year-old from North Carolina, told ABC News Trump “definitely” fits the definition of a fascist, and responded positively when asked if she supports authoritarian leadership.
Even so, he said he doesn’t think Trump will take away personal liberties. “Kamala Harris is taking away our freedom,” she argued.
A conservative Republican who works in home health care, Mindy gave birth to an abortion and said that “it’s a woman’s choice for what she wants to do with her body,” agreeing that she would consider herself “pro-choice.”
However, at the same time, Mindy said that she will continue to support Trump even if he will impose a ban on abortion.
