Rep. Jasmine Crockett Defends Remarks Comparing Trump to Hitler’s Tactics

Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett is standing firm after drawing backlash for saying former President Donald Trump is “following Hitler’s playbook,” insisting there is no apology forthcoming.

Her comments come amid growing concerns about Trump’s rhetoric and actions, which critics argue echo authoritarian tactics used in 20th-century regimes. Historical examples highlight the danger of silencing dissent and satire under authoritarian governments.

In 1939, seven months before the Nazi invasion of Poland, German propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels banned five comedians from performing after they mocked Adolf Hitler and his allies. The move, reported at the time by The New York Times, was part of a broader campaign to stifle ridicule of the regime. Goebbels derided the performers as “parasitic scum” whose jokes caricatured Nazi leaders.

Today, some lawmakers and media observers warn of similar trends in the United States. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr has faced criticism after allegedly pressuring networks and affiliates to sideline late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, while CBS previously scaled back support for Stephen Colbert following Trump’s complaints.

Trump himself has repeatedly suggested that negative coverage of his administration should be considered “illegal,” raising alarm over the administration’s stance toward free speech.

The concerns extend beyond media. Trump has deployed troops to several U.S. cities, ordered the removal of exhibits on slavery and discrimination from federal museums, and reportedly pressed the attorney general to prosecute political rivals.

In Washington, D.C., new banners featuring Trump’s image now hang on multiple federal buildings. A report by Sen. Adam Schiff called the displays a violation of federal law. Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) compared the banners to propaganda in authoritarian states.

“The banners reminded me of the Communist Party in China,” Johnson said. “It’s another indication of the march that we’re on towards authoritarianism in this country.”

Crockett’s remarks, while controversial, reflect a broader debate over how far the U.S. has drifted toward authoritarian practices—and whether parallels to history are being ignored.