A German Citizen Sparks Controversy with Comparison of Trump to Hitler
A man’s provocative comparison between Donald Trump’s political campaign and Adolf Hitler’s rise to power in the 1930s has ignited a significant conversation surrounding the U.S. presidential debate. Johan Franklin, a German national residing in San Diego, California, recently shared a message on social media that has since gone viral.
In his post, which was aimed at American voters and signed “from the people of Germany,” Franklin questioned what could “possibly go wrong” by supporting “the guy with the loud voice,” who, according to him, “threatens to imprison his opponents.” With the tag #beentheredonethat, his message spread rapidly, capturing varying opinions.
Defending His Position
In a follow-up discussion with the BBC, Franklin acknowledged that his comparisons might have been viewed as extreme. “I realize the Hitler comparison was a bit heavy-handed,” he remarked. He emphasized that his focus was not solely on Trump but on the alarming similarities he perceived in the way Trump garnered support, regardless of troubling statements and actions.
Franklin mentioned, “It frightened me to engage in conversations with Trump supporters among my friends and colleagues. I began recognizing parallels to the history shared by my grandparents regarding events in Germany during the 1930s.” He explained that the initial post gained traction after it was shared by a supporter of Hillary Clinton, amplifying the critique of Trump’s rhetoric.
Public Reaction
The message received mixed responses; some users on Twitter dismissed Franklin’s comparison as tired and unoriginal, while others accused him of presuming to speak for all Germans. Criticism included remarks such as, “Interesting that you have appointed yourself as the spokesperson of the German people,” and others pointed out, “Germany has its own issues stemming from the migrant crisis.”
In contrast, support poured in from various quarters. Some German citizens retweeted Franklin’s message, agreeing with his viewpoint. Udo Budding from Berlin expressed solidarity, saying, “Couldn’t have said it better myself.”
| Aspect | Franklin’s Message |
|---|---|
| Comparison | Trump’s rise likened to Hitler’s in terms of garnering followers. |
| Viral Spread | Gained traction after being shared by a Clinton supporter. |
| Public Response | Mixed; some supported, others criticized the comparison. |
Throughout these discussions, Franklin reiterated that he wasn’t trying to represent all Germans and that he himself is not a supporter of Clinton; given his citizenship, he is unable to vote in the U.S. election. Highlighting his personal background, he mentioned growing up with a legacy of “German collective guilt,” where his grandparents felt a sense of helplessness during the Nazi era.
“They lived with the regret of never stopping Hitler when they had the chance, even though I believe they were powerless in that situation,” Franklin recalled. He noted that many in his community often questioned how German society could have allowed Hitler’s ascent, a concern that seems less frequently voiced today.
Broader Implications
As a father with young children, Franklin expressed deep concern over the escalating climate of hate prevalent during the current U.S. electoral cycle and the violent discourse often found on social media. He mused, “If there were a ‘kill that person instantly’ button on Twitter, I’m certain it would be used.”
Despite realizing that his letter was unlikely to change the minds of staunch Trump supporters, Franklin takes comfort in initiating an important dialogue. He received countless messages from individuals who shared similar concerns but felt hesitant to voice them publicly. His hope is that these discussions can pave the way for more civil discourse as the election approaches.
