ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Bernie Sanders says the 'simple truth' is Trump is an ‘authoritarian leader,’ and several experts tell INSIDER they largely agree

Sen. Bernie Sanders on Monday said the "simple truth" is that President Donald Trump is an "authoritarian leader" who does not care about democracy.

  • " target="_blank"authoritarian leader"

Sen. Bernie Sanders on Monday said the "simple truth" is that President Donald Trump is an " target="_blank"authoritarian leader" who does not care about democracy, and several experts on authoritarianism tell INSIDER they largely agree with his assessment.

The Vermont senator's comments come amid ongoing election drama in several states and the president's baseless claims of voter fraud. On Monday, Trump called for a recount in Florida to cease and for the Senate and gubernatorial elections to be called in favor of the Republican candidates.

In what was seemingly a response to Trump's remarks, Sanders tweeted, "Here is the simple truth. Donald Trump, like his friends in Russia, Saudi Arabia and North Korea, is an authoritarian leader who does not believe in democracy."

ADVERTISEMENT

Sanders called for election officials in states where results are still being reviewed to "ignore the rantings of this president" and "COUNT EVERY VOTE."

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from INSIDER.

Beyond the backlash over Trump's recent attempts to discredit the electoral process in the US, he's also faced repeated criticism for his anti-media rhetoric and routine praise for autocratic rulers such as North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un, whom the president in September said he's " target="_blank"in love" with.

In August, experts at the UN warned his rhetoric against the press could increase violence against journalists. Correspondingly, some critics have blamed Trump for recent acts of violence or attempted acts of violence against media outlets.

ADVERTISEMENT

The president's recent proud embrace of being labeled a "nationalist" has also stirred controversy, and led to a veiled rebuke from French President Emmanuel Macron as Trump visited France over the weekend.

In this context, some experts are applauding Sanders' characterization of Trump as an authoritarian.

Related content

Ben-Ghiat added that Trump's "

Trump is only interested in "

ADVERTISEMENT

In short, even if it's what Trump desires, Berman said it's "

Similarly, David Rothkopf,

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Here's everything to know about being a virgin on your wedding night

Here's everything to know about being a virgin on your wedding night

7 do's and don’ts of the Holy month of Ramadan

7 do's and don’ts of the Holy month of Ramadan

Top 5 sweetest celebrity mother-child relationships that stand out for us

Top 5 sweetest celebrity mother-child relationships that stand out for us

International Women's Day: 5 Nigerian female celebrities championing women’s rights

International Women's Day: 5 Nigerian female celebrities championing women’s rights

Top 5 female directors in Nollywood

Top 5 female directors in Nollywood

6 things that will break a Muslim's fast during Ramadan

6 things that will break a Muslim's fast during Ramadan

5 benefits of fasting during Ramadan

5 benefits of fasting during Ramadan

5 reasons Easter was more fun when we were children

5 reasons Easter was more fun when we were children

Dos and don’ts of supporting Muslims during Ramadan

Dos and don’ts of supporting Muslims during Ramadan

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT