Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Trump's Tactics Mirror Franco's Path to Power

9/30/2025

39 7

Summary

Story summary

The article compares Donald Trump’s actions with Francisco Franco’s rise in 1930s Spain.
Both used crises to consolidate power, citing Trump’s emergencies, deportations, and National Guard deployments.
Franco’s regime drew support from elites and the Catholic Church, mirroring Trump’s backers.
It notes Franco ruled nearly 40 years before democracy returned and warns democracies can erode from within.

1 of 1

Story summary

The article compares Donald Trump’s actions with Francisco Franco’s rise in 1930s Spain.
Both used crises to consolidate power, citing Trump’s emergencies, deportations, and National Guard deployments.
Franco’s regime drew support from elites and the Catholic Church, mirroring Trump’s backers.
It notes Franco ruled nearly 40 years before democracy returned and warns democracies can erode from within.