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Jacques Attali and the similarities between Donald Trump and Adolf Hitler

The renowned French economist points out similarities between the American president and the Nazi dictator, pointing out the differences but opening up reflections on a possible authoritarian future

The statements of Jacques Attali, the famous French economist and writer, have not gone unnoticed. In a post on ‘X’ – later removed – and in an interview with French TV ‘Bfm Tv’, the former advisor to Socialist President François Mitterrand likened US President Donald Trump to Adolf Hitler, highlighting some similarities between the two leaders, while also acknowledging the obvious differences.

‘I’m not saying that Donald Trump is like Hitler,‘ Attali explained, “but there are similarities: a failed putsch, the massive use of fake news, a hunt for science in every area and a kind of ”Anschluss’ – i.e. annexation – with neighbouring countries. And then, intimidation towards everyone’. Attali’s reference recalls key moments in Hitler’s history, such as the failed Munich putsch of 1923 and the intimidation and propaganda tactics that followed.

Attali went on to suggest that Trump’s future behaviour could retrace other worrying stages. ‘If Trump were to disregard the judges’ decisions or impeach his opponents – and we already see threats against members of the Democratic Party – that would be really dangerous. For now, what I’m saying is just food for thought,’ he explained, hinting that the situation could escalate further if Trump were to adopt even more authoritarian policies.

While stressing that Trump is not anti-Semitic and that he is not trying to wage military war against his neighbours, Attali insisted on the possibility of similarities with past dictators. The economist recalled that in earlier statements, also on ‘X’, he had drawn an even sharper parallel, claiming that Trump was ‘following exactly in Hitler’s footsteps’. In this deleted post, Attali had warned of the danger posed by lies, terror and the elimination of researchers and scientists, with the added risk of an attack on the judiciary and democracy.

Attali’s reflection is not isolated: the debate on an authoritarian drift in the US under Trump has been open for some time. However, comparing the American president to Hitler remains a delicate terrain, raising questions not only about the political present of the United States, but also about the ability of democracies to resist pressure from populist or authoritarian leaders.

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