It Can't Happen Here (Sinclair Lewis, 1935)

[Stonepounder]

From Wikipedia:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It_Can%27t_Happen_Here

Published during the rise of fascism in Europe, the novel describes the rise of Berzelius "Buzz" Windrip, a politician who defeats Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) and is elected President of the United States, after fomenting fear and promising drastic economic and social reforms while promoting a return to patriotism and "traditional" values. After his election, Windrip takes complete control of the government and imposes a plutocratic/totalitarian rule with the help of a ruthless paramilitary force, in the manner of Adolf Hitler and the SS. The novel's plot centers on journalist Doremus Jessup's opposition to the new regime and his subsequent struggle against it as part of a liberal rebellion.

Reviewers at the time, and literary critics ever since, have emphasized the connection with Louisiana politician Huey Long, who was preparing to run for president in the 1936 election when he was assassinated in 1935 just prior to the novel's publication.

Fear and drastic economic and social reforms - Check
Promoting a return to patriotism and "traditional" values - Check
Takes complete control of the government - Almost there
Ruthless paramilitary force - ICE
In place of Huey Long insert Donald J Trump

I think Sinclair must have had a crystal ball.

[JenniferJuniper]

1. Sinclair Lewis,

not Upton Sinclair.

[Stonepounder]

2. I keep trying to teach my fingers to listen to my brain

instead of going off on their own when I am typing.

Corrected. Thanks.

[Crutchez_CuiBono]

3. SOME of the things at the end though...

were not rallying cries of a our nation in 2016.
The economy was chugging along. Out of the Bush Recession,
We've ALWAYS been a patriotic nation, America is easy to love.
Homeland Security was...keeping the airports safe and ICE was curtailed. All the Iraq War Vets had jobs in the same...
We just elected another FIRST for a president, a woman....(We thought....until about 6pm that night.)
We were about to finally have a peaceful, bountiful time for the workers and people of America. It was our time. By hard work and playing fair we had the govt, and nation we deserved...and the Supreme Court pick, national healthcare. We had won the big battles, and could focus on infrastructure and taking a much needed respite from war.
But no...they wanted another bite at the apple. Being vastly wealthy wasn't enough, they had to be RIGHT and win all the arguments they had lost due to being on the absolute wrong side of things.(abortion...tax cut, peace, clean air/water etc.) They just couldn't take the money they robbed from us after 911 and go away...so, instead of being grateful for their gains, the cheated their own country and aligned w our most calculating and abhorant enemy, russia, and they screwed us all by stealing the election using the Cheney Diebold voting machines, blatant propaganda, and divisiveness they had nurtured during the years w President Obama, bc the man dared to be black. They couldn't stand being beaten on their xtian ideals fairly, they decided to re- fight alll the battles again, and this time strong arm everyone to get their way.
They cheated and lied and divided us over things. Economics and racial issues. Jobs that were NEVER coming back unless a robot did them. On and on. And here we are. That fucker riding around on our dime and acting like he's just the most beloved person since Santa Claus. He is the enemy within. His family and friends are the fifth column. I want my country back.

[Mister Ed]

4. I had this custom bumper sticker made in early 2016:

BUZZ WINDRIP 2016
Make America Great Again

I thought it was funny at the time. Didn't see much chance that the loathsome buffoon could win the primary, much less the presidential election.