Rashida Tlaib recently likened the United States under Donald Trump to countries like Venezuela and El Salvador, warning of “fascism” and collapsing rights. Her comments came during a conversation with political commentator Hasan Piker, where she accused the former president of fostering corruption and “pay-to-play” politics.
Key Facts:
- Rep. Rashida Tlaib spoke with Hasan Piker about political corruption, economic elitism, and her concerns over Donald Trump’s presidency.
- Tlaib claimed over half of Congress are millionaires, creating a “real disconnect” with everyday Americans.
- She criticized bipartisan support for certain cryptocurrency legislation, tying major funding back to Trump’s campaign.
- Tlaib said Trump-era corruption reminded her of political systems in Venezuela, El Salvador, Ecuador, and Brazil.
- She warned that Trump’s actions would “lead to breaking down even more rights” and bring “fascism” to the U.S.
The Rest of The Story:
During the interview, Tlaib described Congress as dominated by wealthy individuals far removed from working-class struggles. She shared an anecdote about a Democratic colleague questioning why people used food banks instead of “just getting a loan” during a government shutdown. For Tlaib, this illustrated the “bubble” lawmakers live in.
She also took aim at recent cryptocurrency legislation, noting that members of the Progressive Caucus joined Republicans in passing it. Tlaib alleged the cryptocurrency industry was a major donor to Trump’s past presidential campaign and that he “overwhelmingly” benefited from their support.
Piker and Tlaib discussed alleged “pay-to-play” arrangements, including a so-called “Donald Trump coin” and meetings with the former president for those who invested. Tlaib compared this kind of political climate to countries like Venezuela and El Salvador, where, she said, corruption and authoritarianism had eroded democracy.
In her view, Trump’s presidency displayed an “unlawfulness” that would lead to fewer rights and potentially usher in fascism. She claimed her international counterparts saw parallels between their nations’ pasts and the U.S. under Trump.
Commentary:
Tlaib’s framing turns reality on its head. If America is sliding toward authoritarianism, it’s not because of Donald Trump — it’s because of the policies and tactics embraced by the very politicians who accuse him of “fascism.”
Under the Biden administration, we’ve witnessed unprecedented federal censorship efforts, political targeting of opponents, and weaponization of government agencies. From pressuring tech companies to silence dissenting voices to criminal investigations that conveniently align with political needs, this is what actual democratic backsliding looks like.
The comparison to Venezuela and El Salvador is rich coming from someone who has openly defended groups like Hamas, pushed for socialist economic policies, and advocated government control over more aspects of American life.
If Tlaib’s agenda were implemented in full, the U.S. economy and freedoms would suffer far more than they ever did under Trump.
Opening the border to millions of illegal entrants, many with criminal backgrounds, does not safeguard democracy. Attempting to jail political opponents on dubious grounds does not defend freedom. Cheating election processes under the guise of “saving democracy” is precisely the kind of behavior that destroys it.
Trump’s presidency marked a break from an entrenched political class that thrives on insider deals and elitism — the very things Tlaib pretends to oppose.
While he wasn’t perfect, his America-first policies restored a measure of accountability to a government long controlled by bureaucratic elites and career politicians.
The real danger lies with those who accuse others of tyranny while consolidating their own power behind closed doors. In that sense, Tlaib’s rhetoric is less a warning and more a projection.
The Bottom Line:
Tlaib’s claim that the U.S. under Trump resembled Venezuela or El Salvador ignores the growing authoritarianism under the current administration.
While she points to corruption and elitism, her own political positions and alliances undercut her credibility.
The real threat to American liberty comes from those who weaponize government to silence dissent while claiming to “save democracy.”
